“In Memory of the Land and People” was released on 16 mm film in 1977 by Robert (Bob) Gates, a former Union Carbide engineer who became WV’s leading independent filmmaker. Since Norman Fagan refused to show it as part of the WV Juried Arts Exhibition in fall 1978, I came in to The Cultural Center and screened it downstairs. The rest is history.

It was shown in Congress and helped get new legislation passed on controlling stripmining. People all over the country saw the devastating effects of this new form of coal mining that demolished not only the mountain being mined but people’s homes and lives - as well as destroy all of the noble animals and plants that were sacrificed. The WV Library Commission loaned out one copy in 16 mm, wearing it out in a few years, requiring the purchase of a new print.

Gates swore it would never be put on VHS…and it never was. Now, after spending $3,500 he has released it today for E-Day at the WV Legislature.

Gates has gone on to make many other award-winning films including “Communication from Weber” and two films on mountaintop removal mining - “All Shaken Up” and “Mucked.” He has shown his films all over the U.S. including at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. He has won many awards including the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the 1985 West Virginia International Film Festival.

You can purchase a DVD from - Omni Productions, Box 5130 Charleston, WV 25361, 304-342-2624, omni@ntelos.net. The price - $25 for personal use only, $50 for non-profit organizations, $150 for funded institutions, and $ 100 for project sponsors.

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