'' Mountaintop Removal '' is a 2007 documentary film directed by Michael O'Connell . The film explores how mountaintop removal mining in West Virginia has affected local communities . Filmed over a two-year period , '' Mountain Top Removal '' features community advocates , such as Ed Wiley , Larry Gibson , Julia Bonds , Maria Gunnoe , and Mountain Justice Summer volunteers , in their efforts to oppose the destruction of Southern Appalachia 's natural landscape . The film includes commentary from Jeff Goodell , author of '' Big Coal : The Dirty Secret Behind America 's Energy Future '' , geologists Dr. William Schlesinger and Dr. Peter Taft , and also Bill Raney , President of the West Virginia Coal Association . The film won the '' Reel Current Award '' ( presented by Al Gore ) at the 2008 Nashville Film Festival . '' Mountaintop Removal '' also received a Jury award at the 2008 Wild and Scenic Film Festival , Audience award at the 2008 Woods Hole Film Festival and was screened at The Lincoln Center on Earth Day April 22 , 2008 . The film is currently being distributed nationwide on PBS through NETA . The film 's soundtrack includes music by Jim Lauderdale , Donna the Buffalo , John Specker and Sarah Hawker
Woods Hole Film Festival
Woods Hole Film Festival
Mountaintop Removal (film)