Free Film Screenings of DUCO Deep Down Connect Los Angeles to the Perils of Coal

Strip Mine photo by Mark Schmerling

The power lines that come into your house are connected to coal-burning power plants in the Southwest. In turn, those plants are powered by coal dug up in the Southwest, similar to mountaintop removal mining in Kentucky and other Appalachian states. These operations scar the land, emit toxic mercury, consume billions of gallons of water in an arid region, and contribute to climate change.

A new hour-long documentary, Deep Down, takes a hard look and the ups and downs of coal mining in the small town of Maytown, a small mining community in eastern Kentucky, where coal mining possesses dual identities: some residents view it as a vital source of survival. Others contend that coalmining is a massively destructive force.

In Maytown, the sedimentary rock pits neighbor against neighbor, turning the closest friends into the fiercest foes. Deep Down, portrays this clash of ideology in a town torn apart by mountaintop-removal coal mining.

The educational film follows Beverly May and Terry Ratliff, lifelong friends and Maytown citizens who live on opposite sides of the mountain - and opposite sides of the strip-mining issue. When a coal company approaches Ratliff with a big check and intent to mine his property, the struggling carpenter is torn between preserving his homeland and securing financial safety. With rallies, town-hall meetings, and petitions, his friend May sets out to convince him - and, she hopes, the rest of the community - that the environmentally destructive practice should end.

This heartbreaking but ultimately heartwarming account of a small mining community weaves in humor, color, and suspense, making it well worth a look. Rather than provide dry explanations, Deep Down compels attention to the critical issue of coal mining by telling a story. The narrative of a friendship and town riven by opposing views dominates Deep Down, but the documentary also cites sufficient scientific facts to drive home the prevailing message: Coal is dirty. You have two opportunities to see the film for free on the big screen.

The first is Friday November 5th at the Warner Grand Theater, a classic, art deco picture palace in San Pedro. Doors open at 7pm to a mini environmental fair. The screening beings at 8pm and is followed a panel discussion and question and answer session. The Sierra Club is a screening partner for this presentation. Come and learn more about our beyond coal campaign. This screening is part of a series sponsored by the Grand Vision Foundation in partnership with Community Cinema and Jerico Development, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Plaza Automotive and the Whale and Ale Restaurant. Ample seating. Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St, San Pedro, 90731

The second screening is Tuesday November 16 at 7pm at the KCET screening room. Doors open at 6:30 This screening will also be followed by panel discussion. Please RSVP for this event by paging through the KCET website. Arrive early, as the the they overbook reservations. KCET Auditorium, 4401 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. For more info, visit the Deep Down website.

-Sarah A. Henderson and Tom Politeo contributed to this article.