Chad A. Stevens’ ‘Overburden’ premieres at Full Frame

"Overburden" — a documentary by UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media assistant professor Chad A. Stevens — made its world premiere at the 2015 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival Friday, April 10,  in Durham, North Carolina.

The film was awarded honorable mention in the Nicholas School Environmental Award. The award is presented annually to the documentary at Full Frame that best depicts the conflict between our drive to improve living standards through development and modernization, and the imperative to preserve both the natural environment that sustains us and the heritages that define us. It is the first time that an honorable mention has been given.

"I am immensely grateful to Full Frame, the Nicholas School and everyone on the film team who gave so much to make 'Overburden' come to life during the festival weekend," Stevens said. "It has been our goal all along to tell this story with dignity and respect for the subjects of the film, and it is so validating to know that others recognize this. It was so unexpected to given this honor, and we are thankful." 

Stevens' film joins 48 other features and shorts in the festival's "NEW DOCS" program. "Overburden" was selected from more than 1,300 submissions from around the world.

Stevens served as director, producer and principle cinematographer for "Overburden" — the story of fiery, pro-coal right-winger Betty and tenacious, environmentalist grandmother Lorelei as they take on the most dangerous coal company in America. These two lives intertwine and unite to launch the first wind farm in coal country and to rebuild their fractured community.

UNC J-school master's graduates Catherine Orr and Elena Rue, co-founders of StoryMineMedia, co-produced and edited the film.

"We are incredibly proud of the talent on display in our 2015 lineup," said Full Frame director of programming Sadie Tillery. "These new films take us places: remote landscapes, hypnotic fairs and steep climbs. They probe legal cases, unveil artistic processes, and witness turmoil. They bring history to life and encourage us to think deeply about current events. And altogether, they highlight people, the human experience, and allow us to reflect on the world in which we live. It's a gift that filmmakers share this work with us."

One of the nation's premier documentary film festivals, Full Frame celebrated its 18th annual festival this year. Full Frame is a qualifying event for consideration for the nominations for both the Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject and the Producers Guild of America Awards.