March 1, 2011
Recently featured at the Sundance Film Festival, The Last Mountain sheds light the mountaintop removal coal mining debate in the US. Goldman Prize recipient Maria Gunnoe (’09) a tireless activist featured in the film, has been fighting to protect both the land and her unique Appalachian culture from mining destruction. Scheduled to hit theatres in June 2011, the film also includes an action campaign to help spread awareness about the issues.
Check out the film’s synopsis and trailer:
“In the valleys of Appalachia, a battle is being fought over a mountain. It is a battle with severe consequences that affect every American, regardless of their social status, economic background or where they live. It is a battle that has taken many lives and continues to do so the longer it is waged. It is a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal.
The mining and burning of coal is at the epicenter of America’s struggle to balance its energy needs with environmental concerns. Nowhere is that concern greater than in Coal River Valley, West Virginia, where a small but passionate group of ordinary citizens are trying to stop Big Coal corporations, like Massey Energy, from continuing the devastating practice of Mountain Top Removal.”
