Mountain Top Removal

Project Director: Michael C. O'Connell

Director / Producer: Michael C. O'Connell, Haw River Films

Executive Producers: Gill Holland, The Group Entertainment and Maura O'Connell

Mountain Top Removal is a new film by Michael C. O'Connell of Haw River Films. This feature length documentary explores the controversial issue of mountain top removal coal mining in Southern Appalachia. Mountain Top Removal was filmed from the Spring of 2005 to Spring of 2007.

Mountain Top Removal has been selected for screening at: The Indiegrits Film Festival Columbia South Carolina (Runner Up award for best feature), Charlotte Film Festival (jury award Best Documentary 2007), Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Nevada City California (Yubie 2008 Jury award), Planet In Focus film festival Toronto Canada, Cucalorus Film Festival, Boston Film Festival, International Festival of Mountain Film Slovenia, Nashville Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, and the Bluegrass Independent Film Festival.

In January of 2008 Mountain Top Removal received first place in the Mion Solutions Environmental Film awards. The award includes a $1500 donation to the non-profit organization of the filmmkers choice. Haw River Films was happy to support Coal River Mountain Watch and the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival.