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Running for the Mountains, uncovers a story of dirty money and dirty politics in West Virginia—one that affects the entire nation. This entertaining and informative documentary exports the most valuable commodity coming out of Appalachia: the truth.
The movie tells a cautionary tale of rough and tumble politics, deregulation, and reckless policies that dominate West Virginia, highlighting the need for need for campaign finance reform. Transcending party lines, the filmmakers’ 15 year investigation unveils a web of influence, linking extraction industries with politicians like West Virginia’s Sen. Joe Manchin, who wield immense control over the energy policies of the nation for personal profit, all the while, risking the air, water and health of their constituents. Using a blend of history, personal stories, current affairs, and cinema verité, Running for the Mountains questions West Virginia’s saga of patriotic sacrifice, while delivering surprising undercover scenes that make clear who its politicians are working for and who really pays the cost.
CLIENT: WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCERS: Babette Hogan & Julie Eisenberg, Running for the Mountains LLC
FILM & TRAILER EDITOR/CONSULTING PRODUCER: Patsy Northcutt
PREMIERE: Santa Barbara International Film Festival, 2024
AWARDS:
• Best Environmental Documentary, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival (Ohio)
• Jury Award—Spirit of Environment, San Francisco Green Film Festival
• Thaddeus Stevens Award for Social Engagement—10th Anniversary MNFF (Middlebury, Vermont)
