Nat Geo Acquires Coal & Mining Industry Doc

National Geographic Documentary Films has picked up the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival selection feature documentary From the Ashes, which explores the legacy and future of the coal and mining industry.

From the Ashes is produced by RadicalMedia, directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Michael Bonfiglio, produced by Sidney Beaumont and executive produced by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger, as well as Jon Kamen, Katherine Oliver and Justin Wilkes in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. The feature doc puts a spotlight on American communities across the country that are wrestling with the legacy of the coal industry and what its future should be under the Trump administration.

From the Ashes will have its world premiere at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on April 26 at the Festival Hub, followed by a limited theatrical release on June 25. It will air globally on National Geographic in 171 countries and 45 languages later this year. From the Ashes will be distributed under the National Geographic Documentary Films banner.

“From the Ashes is an important documentary that underscores one of the most dominant and controversial industries in the history of the United States,” said National Geographic Global Networks’ CEO, Courteney Monroe. “The film explores the reality of coal’s role in climate change while offering insight into solutions that could help revive the struggling economies of dying mining towns and still safeguard the environment. We are thrilled to partner with RadicalMedia and Bloomberg Philanthropies to amplify the complex conversation about the coal industry as well as alternative forms of energy.”

“For over a century, mining and energy companies have been privatizing coal’s profits while socializing its costs,” commented Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and co-author of the new book Climate of Hope. “Coal plant pollution kills 7,500 Americans a year and causes many more serious illnesses. From the Ashes shows the risks we face as a nation if we continue to rely on coal and examines how Americans in local communities, including in coal country, are helping to lead the transition toward cleaner air and stronger economies.”

“Using media and technology to inform, connect and prompt action is in the DNA of Bloomberg and we’re excited to harness the power of storytelling to reach new audiences and inspire change at such a critical time in our history,” added Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Oliver, who also serves as executive producer.