ON COAL RIVER World Premiere
posted: July 21, 2010
The MAP would like to show some love for ON COAL RIVER, a project from Asheville-based filmmakers Adams Wood and Francine Cavanaugh. ON COAL RIVER - created with the support of a grant from the Media Arts Advantage Fund - is a documentary set in the Coal River Valley of West Virginia, where longtime local residents are dealing with the toxic effects of America’s increased demand for cheap coal. It's a beautiful piece of media activism and the filmmakers are working tirelessly to get the word out.
The film's world premiere happened last month in two sold-out screenings at AFI/Discovery Channel – Silverdocs in Washington, DC. The stars of the film - families and activists from the film - were honored at both screenings. A panel discussion followed, and a team of volunteers made sure that the enthusiasm of the audiences translated into petition signatures and email addresses.
The filmmakers also held a special preview screening on Capitol Hill. ON COAL RIVER screened to an audience of influential policymakers, including personnel from the EPA, the Office of Surface Mining, numerous Congressional aides and staffers, and representatives from some of the most prominent environmental NGOs in DC. After the film, Austin Hall from Appalachian Voices emceed an extremely moving panel discussion that featured key people from the film.
This fall ON COAL RIVER will be screening at Camden International Film Festival and some other great festivals soon to be announced. Adams and Francine are determined to get the film screened in theaters, on campuses, and on television as widely as possible.
Some reviews:
"Hillbilly Davids best a corporate Goliath...Keenly observed... Respectful, thorough, and relevant."
- Variety
"Smart and patient...Recalls Harlan County, USA" - PopMatters.com
