Running for the Mountains, a feature documentary, digs into West Virginia’s history of “patriotic sacrifice,” unearthing veins of dark money and dirty politics while tracking grassroots candidates and ordinary citizens’ attempts to save their land, air, water, health, homes, and communities. The film untangles connections between the extractive industries and West Virginia’s politicians, spotlighting coal broker Senator Joe Manchin as he stalls America’s transition to greener energy. The story is a cautionary tale for the nation, intended to give insights that inspire audiences to action.
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CLIENT: WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCERS: Babette Hogan & Julie Eisenberg, Running for the Mountains LLC
EDITOR & CONSULTING PRODUCER: Patsy Northcutt
PREMIERE: Santa Barbara International Film Festival, 2024