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  • Chad Stevens, Director
  • Elena Rue & Catherine Orr, Producer

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About the Project

Overburden is the story of a fiery, pro-coal right-winger and a tenacious, environmentalist grandmother whose lives are thrust together when a mine disaster shatters their community. Through an intimate story unfolding over seven years, Overburden underscores the need for reconciliation as a these two women join forces to take on a rogue industry and heal their wounded community. With an increase in alternative energy and the work of these two courageous women, the epicenter of change may just come from the most unexpected place, the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains.

Breaking news: On October 1, 2015, Don Blankenship, the former CEO of Massey Energy and character in our film, will go to trial after being indicted on conspiracy charges for his involvement in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster and the deaths of 29 coal miners. Blankenship is the first coal executive to ever be indicted on charges linked directly to the deaths of workers under his watch. These are historic criminal charges.