Directed by: Mimi Pickering
1972
Running Time: 13:00
Color
In their efforts to better their children’s education, the residents of this small West Virginia community found themselves face to face with an unfeeling, bureaucratic political structure. The film documents their fight for a better road and decent schools, an effort that includes organizing the community, setting up their own school, and finally a march on the governor’s office. The film ends with a partial victory and determination to continue the struggle. It will be of interest to community organizers, as well as students of education, public policy, and rural issues
Reviews
"One of the finest examples of community school inclusion I have seen. This film helps to bury the false notion that undereducated mountain parents care very little about their children’s education." -Dr. David Mielke, Department of Secondary Education, Appalachian State University
"Provides an excellent base for discussion of problems in extending equal educational opportunities to all. Viewers will cheer the efforts of the residents of Coon Branch Mountain." -G. Bradley Seager, Jr., Coordinator, Learning Resource Center, University of Pittsburgh
Screenings & Festivals
Film Forum, New York
Movies in the Park, The Film Society at Lincoln Center
Museum of Modern Art
Pacific Film Archive
Robert Flaherty Film Seminar
