D I R T Y E N E R G Y –
D I R T Y P O L I T I C S RUNNING
– for the – MOUNTAINS
"This sterling film could obviously breed cynicism about our corrupt politics; I hope, instead, it will push people toward activism, understanding that it’s the only way to stand up to Big Money.”
-Bill McKibben, Founder, 350.org
Stream on Amazon Beginning October 28, 2025 Now Available on Kanopy!
Running for the Mountains is an eye-opening documentary that reveals how fossil fuel extraction and deregulation have irreparably harmed Appalachia and set the stage for environmental destruction nationally.
Dynamic footage and undercover scenes show politicians and industry pitted against citizens defending their resources, health and communities. The film powerfully argues that environmentalism is an essential patriotic duty.
Running for the Mountains uncovers a story of dirty money and dirty politics – one that affects the entire nation. This entertaining and informative documentary exports the most valuable commodity coming out of Appalachia: the raw truth.
The movie tells a cautionary tale of the rough and tumble politics and reckless policies that dominate West Virginia and are now being exported to the rest of the nation. Transcending party lines, the filmmakers’ 15 year investigation unveils a corrupt web of influence. The film explores the ties between extractive industries and West Virginia's politicians, like former Senator Joe Manchin, who have placed their personal profit over the health of their constituents, subjecting their state to deadly toxic air, water and land.
Weaving a blend of history, current affairs, and cinema verité, Running for the Mountains questions West Virginia’s saga of patriotic sacrifice, while delivering surprising undercover scenes that make clear who their politicians are working for and who really pays the cost of these devastating priorities. The policies of this one state affect us all.
Awards
WINNER – BEST ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTARY
Chagrin Documentary Film Festival
WINNER - THADDEUS STEVENS AWARD FOR SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival
WINNER – SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR SPIRIT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Green Film Festival of San Francisco
In 2008, Northern California producers/directors Julie Eisenberg and Babette Hogan determined that they would tell a political story about America.
Their travels landed them all the way across the country in West Virginia, where environmental and political activists battled to save their state from destruction at the hands of the extractive industries. While depicting the environmental toll on the state’s people, land, water and air, they discovered a bigger story about how one small state has a huge impact on the energy policies of the entire United States.
RUNNING FOR THE MOUNTAINS
A film by Julie Eisenberg & Babette Hogan
Featuring Paul Corbit Brown, Jesse Johnson, Charlotte Pritt
and Frm. State Delegate Mike Manypenny With Larry Gibson, Maria Gunnoe and Fmr. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin
Music by Water Light, Annalyse & Ryan and Ani Difranco
