NOVEMBER 12, 2009 ISSUE
Coal Country Documentary Screening November 17
Coal Country, a documentary to be shown at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, at the Dragonfly Theater in Boone, explores the struggle around the mining and use of coal for electricity in the Appalachian region. Photo by Jim Clark
Coal Country features interviews with activists who are battling coal mining practices in Appalachia and with coal supporters, like Randall Maggard, a coal company manager. Photo courtesy of Coal CountryThe Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE) and Appalachian Voices invite the public to screenings of the documentary Coal Country at Boone’s Dragonfly Theater on Tuesday, November 17, at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. The film explores the dramatic struggle and tension around the mining and use of coal for electricity production in the Appalachian region.
Individuals from AIRE and Appalachian Voices will be present to discuss the grave environmental impacts of coal mining and consumption in our region and the promise and economic affluence offered by the responsible development of Appalachia’s renewable energy resources.
The Coal Country website (www.coalcountrythemovie.com) offers this description of the feature: “Coal Country is a dramatic look at modern coal mining. We get to know working miners along with activists who are battling coal companies in Appalachia. We hear from miners and coal company officials, who are concerned about jobs and the economy and believe they are acting responsibly in bringing power to the American people. Both sides in this conflict claim that history is on their side.
“Families have lived in the region for generations, and most have ancestors who worked in the mines. Everyone shares a deep love for the land, but MTR (mountaintop removal mining, which has leveled over 500 Appalachian mountains) is tearing them apart. We need to understand the meaning behind promises of ‘cheap energy’ and ‘clean coal.’ Are they achievable? At what cost? Are there alternatives to our energy future?”
The production features music by Kathy Mattea, Natalie Merchant, John Prine, Willie Nelson and many other artists.
Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the offices of Appalachian Voices at 191 West Howard Street or AIRE at 164 South Depot Street in downtown Boone. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit AIRE and its continuing mission to encourage and advance community-driven, environmentally sensitive renewable energy development throughout the Appalachian region.
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