Courtesy Submission

WESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Rivers Coalition is excited to announce the launch of “Ripple Effects: A WV Rivers Film Series,” a powerful and thought-provoking film series aimed at raising awareness about the critical water quality issues affecting West Virginia’s communities.  

The series will feature a lineup of impactful films and discussions, each focusing on different aspects of environmental stewardship and the challenges posed by pollution, particularly the ongoing PFAS contamination crisis in the state’s water systems. 

This free film series will take place across several locations in West Virginia from September 2024 through January 2025. Each screening will be followed by a community discussion to foster dialogue on the legislative progress and site-specific action plans needed to address these pressing environmental issues. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about how they can get involved in protecting and restoring West Virginia’s water resources. 

“Through the Ripple Effects film series, we hope to spark meaningful conversations around the urgent need to protect our water systems,” said Maggie Stange, Communications Manager at WV Rivers Coalition. “Each film brings a unique perspective on the environmental challenges we face and the power of community action in overcoming them.” 

Maria Russo, a leader on the PFAS team at WV Rivers, emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing these issues: 

“The PFAS contamination crisis is one of the most pressing environmental threats to our state, and it’s crucial that we come together to advocate for stronger protections,” said Russo. “This film series is an opportunity for West Virginians to learn more about the dangers we face and the steps we can take to ensure safe, clean water for all.” 

Film Schedule: 

FernGully: The Last Rain Forest 

Date: September 3, 2024

Location: Yankauer Nature Preserve, Martinsburg, W.Va. 

Time: 7 – 9 p.m. 

This animated classic tells the story of a magical rainforest and their effort to save their home from pollution and extraction, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental preservation. 

Keepers of the Land 

Date: October 11, 2024 

Location: Cool Spring Preserve, Charles Town, W.Va. 

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

This documentary showcases the efforts of Indigenous communities to protect their lands from environmental degradation, offering lessons in stewardship and sustainability. 

The Cost of Forever 

Date: November 2024 

Location: Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

Time: TBD 

This film explores the far-reaching impacts of PFAS contamination on water systems and communities, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive action. 

Burned: Protecting the Protectors 

Date: December 11, 2024 

Location: Shepherdstown Old Opera House, Shepherdstown, W.Va. 

Time: 6 – 8 p.m.

Date: January 2025 

Location: Weirton, W.Va.

Time: TBD 

This documentary delves into the dangers faced by firefighters due to toxic PFAS exposures and the broader implications for public health and safety. 

For more information on the Ripple Effects film series and to reserve your free tickets, please visit: https://wvrivers.salsalabs.org/rippleeffects 

Join us for an evening of film, food, and conversation as we work together to ensure clean water and a healthy environment for all West Virginians. 

About West Virginia Rivers Coalition 

The West Virginia Rivers Coalition is a statewide non-profit organization working to conserve and restore West Virginia’s exceptional rivers and streams through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Learn more at www.wvrivers.org. 

About Ripple Effects: A WV Rivers Film Series 

Ripple Effects: A WV Rivers Film Series is made possible through a grant from Working Films. The poster and creative for this film series were created by Studio Kelsie. WV Rivers aims to utilize our Rural Cinemas film series as a catalyst for raising awareness and fostering action regarding PFAS contamination in communities in Northern and Eastern West Virginia. Our overarching purpose is to empower communities, advocate for change, and mobilize collective efforts toward ensuring drinkable, swimmable, and fishable waters for all residents. Through this initiative, we seek to build and strengthen relationships, expand engagement, and inspire action, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future. If you would like to partner with WV Rivers on a future film event, contact us at wvrivers@wvrivers.org. 

Feature photo Copyright/Credit Debbie Smith. All others Copyright/Credit Michael M. Barrick