The album is as much a personal meditation as it is an ode to collaboration. Visually brought to life by director Daniel Fox, Appalachia Borealis is accompanied by a 35-minute film featuring serene scenes of the nature and wildlife that inspired its creation. “[Phil and I have] developed a deep trust and shared vision of making things that feel human and real—whether I’m making visual landscapes for his music or using his music to score documentaries,” said Fox. “Our relationship often brings us together in nature, walking in the woods along rivers and mountains, and this project is a manifestation of that peace we both return to.”

With its painterly shots and slow, contemplative rhythm, Fox’s film acts as a visual counterpart to the album’s emotional landscape. “Some of the deepest healing I’ve received in my life has come from exploring new wild places, recognizing my kinship with the animals, the plants, the land and water itself,” Fox said. “Over time, I began to bring my camera into these spaces to capture images that remind me of this essential connection. The footage in this film was collected over the last decade of my travels and has been waiting for the right project to summon it off of my hard drives.”