On October 6th, the Appalachia class had the pleasure of watching the informative documentary Overburden, directed by Chad A. Stevens. A film that highlights the greed of a company and industry and the struggle and division of a community, Overburden tells the emotional story of how mountaintop removal of the Appalachian area, (particularly in Raleigh County, WV) does more than simply damage the physical environment. The majors themes presented in the film challenge one to think about the coal and mountaintop mining debate in a deeper perspective. The lack of options, need for survival, cultural aspects, and a sense of unity are brought to life with the storytelling of two personal, yet distinct, stories. The viewers are placed in their shoes
