Meet the Team

Behind Small Town Mountain Strong

Katie Hawkins

Director

Katie, a native of Old Fort, NC, is an award-winning filmmaker based in Atlanta, GA with work showcased at top festivals, including Austin Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival and Sidewalk Film Festival.

Known for her innovative and empathetic filmmaking, Katie champions authentic representation and inclusivity. By staying adaptable and true to their stories, Katie creates emotionally impactful films that highlight the humanity of real people.

Cory Locatelli

Producer

Cory is the Production Director at Here For Good Films, a company dedicated to storytelling that uplifts communities and creates meaningful impact.

He brings a grounded, people-first approach to every project, combining logistical expertise with deep care for the communities represented. Cory is passionate about collaborative filmmaking that centers trust, accountability, and integrity—both behind the camera and in the stories being told.

Tarek Albaba

Story Producer

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Tarek Albaba is a passionate and versatile filmmaker with over two decades of experience across television series, documentaries, and narrative films. His work has appeared on platforms including Apple TV+, Disney+, National Geographic, PBS, TRT World, Discovery, History and more.

Tarek’s independent work focuses on historical injustices, urgent social issues and threats to our natural world. Tarek brings a fierce dedication and unshakable sense of purpose to every project. He believes that storytelling can be a tool for accountability, empathy, and real change.