Roots & Relics is a cinematic documentary series that uncovers the extraordinary stories behind everyday heirlooms. Hosted by explorer and historian JD Hart, each episode travels to a new location to reveal the powerful legacy hidden in personal artifacts and the families who preserve them. Blending intimate interviews, historical investigation, dramatic recreations and on-location adventure, the series celebrates the emotional connection between people and the relics that define their past.
To watch this, and all other films of our 2026 selection for FREE online, just send us a blank e-mail to register@history-filmfestival.com and automatically receive this year’s code. Availible from 1st to 7th of October 2026. For more details see Take Part.
Director Biography – Matthew Josiah Avant
Matthew J. Avant is an Emmy Award-winning producer, writer, and director with over 25 years of experience crafting compelling television and film content. His storytelling prowess spans genres – from rural lifestyle series to science fiction thrillers – garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated audience.
Avant’s television portfolio includes the award-winning RanchHer, a series celebrating the women of the American West, and Debbe Dunning’s Dude Ranch Roundup, where the former Home Improvement star explores iconic ranches across the U.S. He also contributed his writing and directing skills to the reboot of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom: Protecting the Wild, bringing fresh perspectives to the classic wildlife series.
In the realm of film, Avant wrote, directed, and produced Lunopolis, a science fiction feature that delves into conspiracy theories involving the moon and time travel. The film was praised for its ambitious narrative and inventive execution, earning accolades at various film festivals.
Director Statement
Over the past 25 years, my work as a producer, writer, and director has taken me across every corner of America. From wide-open ranches and rural homesteads to historic landmarks and family-owned businesses, I’ve had the privilege of telling the stories of everyday people whose lives are deeply rooted in tradition and resilience. Along the way, I noticed a common thread—almost everyone I met had an heirloom or artifact with a story to tell. These weren’t just antiques or collectibles. They were tangible pieces of history, passed down through generations, often holding far more value in memory and meaning than in money.
Roots & Relics was born from those experiences. The show is my way of honoring the incredible people I’ve met over the years and the objects that connect us to our past. It’s not just about showcasing rare or valuable items—it’s about uncovering the hidden stories behind them and exploring the role these relics play in shaping family legacies, local culture, and even national history.
My goal is to capture that magic for a wider audience—to blend storytelling, history, and a bit of adventure into a series that celebrates not just the artifacts themselves, but the human stories they represent.
| Matthew Josiah Avant Director, Writer, Producer Lunopolis, Wild Kingdom, RanchHer, Dude Ranch Roundup Katie Kristin Avant Producer FarmHer, Wild Kingdom, On The Record John David Hart Key Cast “Host” Social Path, Bell Witch: The Movie, A Letter From Death Row, |
