The Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy (AIRE) and Appalachian Voices cordially invite you to a screening of the documentary Coal Country at Boone’s Dragonfly Theater, Tuesday Nov. 17 at 6:00 p.m. – with a second screening of the film at 8 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. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the offices of Appalachian Voices at 191 West Howard St. or AIRE at 164 South Depot St in downtown Boone. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit AIRE and their continuing mission to encourage and advance community driven environmentally sensitive renewable energy development
throughout our Appalachian Region.


The Coal Country website 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 (Mountain Top 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.

We hope you will join us for an evening of community fellowship and dialogue concerning the continued livelihood and well-being of our beautiful Appalachia!