Locally made movie looks at labor struggles in Appalachia

The Athens News

The Appalachian region and a much-forgotten piece of its history take center stage in the new independent film "Let It Be War." The independent short film was recently endorsed by the United Mine Workers of America and will be released this summer, according to a release.

With the Appalachian region as its backdrop, the film tells the story of a group of miners who fought back against their employer to protect their lives and liberty shortly after World War II. The plot is based on an actual strike that occurred at a mine in Clear Creek, Ky.

"I've always had a deep admiration for the generation of Americans that saw us through the Great Depression and World War II," said Andrew Heaberlin, an Ohio University student and director of the film. "I want to keep that era alive in any way that I can."

In researching the film, Heaberlin consulted with various local historians, artists and other filmmakers while developing the script. But the region's presence extends beyond the movie's storyline – the movie will be filmed in the hills of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, with actors and crew native to the area portraying events that directly impacted many of their families, according to the release.

"Let It Be War" is produced by Company Town Pictures, Inc., a non-profit organization that Heaberlin created as a student in order to make movies about the Appalachian region. The film's crew is comprised of OU students studying video production in the School of Media Arts & Studies.

Filming will begin in May, with the hope of releasing the movie to festivals this summer. As an independent production, the film relies on donations from the public. For more information about contributing to the project, visit the film's Web site, www.letitbewar.com.

The Athens News