Deep Down

Deep Down was released in the Spring of 2010 and had its broadcast premiere on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day on Kentucky Educational Television (KET). Since then, directors Rubin and Gilomen have developed cutting-edge community engagement tools and have stayed active with efforts to change the politics and policies that allow for the unsustainable practice of mountaintop removal coal mining to continue despite widespread public outcry. Set to launch this Fall, the Virtual Mine is an educational experience created in the popular online world of Second Life. Developed at BAVC's Producers Institute for New Media Technologies with funding from ITVS and the MacArthur Foundation, the Virtual Mine is an innovative 3D environment, game, and educational curriculum for teachers, students, and anyone who'd like to learn more about mountaintop removal, coal fired power production, alternative energies, and the amazing music and culture of the Appalachian mountains. The filmmakers have partnered with the Kentucky grassroots group Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KFTC), national environmental organization Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and faith-based organizations to screen Deep Down in communities across the country and connect audience members with meaningful actions. In September of this year, co-director Gilomen was arrested in solidarity with community members featured in the film, in an act of non-violent civil disobedience at a protest called Appalachia Rising held in D.C. and organized by coalfield residents calling for an end to mountaintop removal.

Deep Down aired November 23rd 2010 on PBS's Emmy award-winning Independent Lens series. In addition, Independent Lens chooses for each broadcast season a small handful of its projects to be featured as part of its "Community Cinema" initiative. Deep Down is honored to have been selected to be a part of this. In over 50 cities nationwide, screenings are followed by lively panel discussions that bring together citizens, organizations and public television stations to encourage dialogue and action around important and timely social issues. Last season, over 40,000 people attended 500 events nationwide. The filmmakers also joined with a group of award-winning filmmakers and environmental justice organizations in a new collaborative called Reel Power: Films Fueling the Energy Revolution. The Reel Power film series tells the many stories of our energy crisis, and most importantly, community opportunities for sustainable growth. The collaborations is a monthly film series of ten films that launches with Deep Down's national broadcast.

Where to buy

The Deep Down DVD contains the feature-length version of the film (57 min) and several DVD video extras. The DVDs are packaged with 100% green forestry practices, soy-based inks, union labor, and recycled plastic bottles. Purchase the film for community, home or educational screenings. http://deepdownfilm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=135&Itemid=101

Directed by: Sally Rubin & Jen Gilomen

Granted on: 2008-03-01

Grant: I Believe in You Grant

Due to its increasing demand for energy, humankind is mining the earth for natural resources and putting communities and natural treasures worldwide at risk. DEEP DOWN tells this story through the lens of one town deep in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky, where coal is king. Through a complex human story that cuts across environment, economics, public policy, and culture, the story of ONE SMALL COMMUNITY reveals the devastating impact of our energy consumption against an explosive backdrop: Appalachia’s centuries-old struggle over the black rock that fuels our planet.

Deep Down

Where to buy

Links