Filmmakers will be in town for 'On Coal River' premiere

Filmmakers Adams Wood and Francine Cavanaugh will be on hand to discuss their documentary "On Coal River" Thursday at Green Spaces, 63 Main St. The movie is being screened as part of the Arts & Education Council's sixth annual Back Row Film Series.

"On Coal River" follows a former coal miner and his neighbors in a David-versus-Goliath struggle for the future of the Coal River Valley community in West Virginia. It is the story of Ed Wiley, a former coal miner who once worked at a toxic-waste facility that now threatens his granddaughter's elementary school. His quest to have the school relocated to safer ground becomes a battle against the local government and Massey Energy, a coal company.

Wiley joins forces with Bo Webb, a former Marine, and Judy Bonds, a neighbor. Both have seen what Massey Energy's mountaintop removal policies have done to their family homes.

The three also work with Maria Lambert, a valley resident from across the river who recognized a pattern in the unusual health problems plaguing her community.

The film was shot over a five-year period and tells the story of how these four individuals fought to save the valley.

After the film, the filmmakers will discuss what it took to make the movie.

Tickets are $10 per person and include a welcome reception at 6 p.m., film screening at 6:30 and discussion at 7:45.

Due to limited seating, advance reservations are encouraged. Call the Arts & Education Council at 267-1218 or visit www.BackRow Films.com.

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