Dir. Francine Cavanaugh & Adams Wood, 81 min., U.S.A., 2010
Friday 11, 7:00 PM ยท Thursday 17, 7:00 PM.
ON COAL RIVER takes viewers on a gripping emotional journey into the Coal River Valley of West Virginia, a community surrounded by lush mountains and a looming toxic threat. The local school happens to be alongside an active strip mine. Children are at risk. The film follows a former coal miner, Ed Wiley, and his neighbors in a David-and-Goliath struggle for the future of their valley, their children, and life as they know it. When the local government refuses to act, Ed embarks on a quest to have the school relocated to safer ground. With insider knowledge and a sharp sense of right and wrong, Ed confronts his local school board, state government, and the notorious Massey Energy for putting his granddaughter and his community at risk. Along the way, Ed is supported by his neighbors Bo Webb and Judy Bonds, who help Ed bring attention to the dangers at Marsh Fork Elementary, hoping that if they save the school, they can save the valley. Shot over a 5-year period, ON COAL RIVER follows the transformation of these remarkable individuals as they fight for the valley they love and for future generations, making dramatic changes against all odds.
Distributor: annex.oncoalriver.com/store
Contact: oncoalriver.com/
775 Haywood Rd, Suite F
Asheville, NC 28806
email: [email protected]
Using film for earth science education
