Mayors from U.S. and International Cities Join Dialogue on the Future of Coal
Cities to Host Advance Screenings of National Geographic Documentary Films’ From the Ashes with Bloomberg Philanthropies Â
In the wake of discussions regarding the weakening of the E.P.A., the Clean Power Plan and the landmark Paris Agreement at COP 21 where 195 countries agreed to address climate change, 14 cities will join the discussion on the future of coal production – the largest contributor to climate change and a major risk to public health – by hosting screenings of National Geographic Documentary Films’ From the Ashes, a compelling and timely documentary that explores one of the country’s most contentious topics.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Bonfiglio, produced by Academy Award- and Emmy-winning production company RadicalMedia and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the film will screen in domestic and global cities bringing together Mayors, the Sierra Club and key business and environmental leaders at each event.
“Our foundation is joining mayors around the world to host screenings and discussions in their cities about the transition away from coal. We have great partnerships with mayors because cities are a big focus of our work,” said Michael R. Bloomberg. “This is a life-or-death issue that affects billions of city residents, and mayors really are eager to help spread the message.”
Screenings will include panel discussions on the economic, public health and environmental implications that the film raises. In the United States screening events will be held in Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Nashville, TN; San Francisco, CA; and Washington, D.C. Internationally, Bloomberg will host screenings in Brussels, Belgium; London, U.K.; Mexico City, Mexico; Paris, France; and Vancouver, Canada. The Tribeca Film Institute will co-host events alongside mayors in Austin, San Francisco, Chicago, London and Brussels; and the Tribeca Film Institute will c0-host the event in Mexico City.
The mayors in each of these cities have committed to taking measurable and concrete action on climate change by committing to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, the broadest and largest global coalition of cities and local governments committed to local climate leadership. As Co-Chair of the Global Covenant of Mayors, Michael Bloomberg has played an integral role in building the coalition, recruiting cities and demonstrating the critical reason why cities must play a role on the international stage through climate negotiations.
Bloomberg continued, “We also hope it will bring more attention to local efforts to help coal communities that are suffering from job losses – a challenge that the federal government has ignored for far too long. We can’t pretend that coal isn’t deadly. We can’t pretend that coal doesn’t contribute to climate change. And, we can’t pretend that coal jobs are coming back. We have to do something about each of those challenges – and that’s what this movie is all about.”
Inspired by personal stories featured throughout the film, Bloomberg Philanthropies has launched a national fundraising campaign with CrowdRise to assist local groups in coal-impacted communities that are working to help out-of-work miners develop new job skills and find alternative career opportunities as America makes the transition to cleaner energy. When a donation is made on CrowdRise to Coalfield Development Corporation, the Just Transition Fund, and the Western Organization of Resource Councils, Bloomberg Philanthropies will match a portion of donations and cover all transaction fees.
Distributed under the National Geographic Documentary Films banner, From the Ashes premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival to sold out audiences and will air globally on National Geographic in 171 countries and 45 languages beginning June 25th.  Bloomberg Philanthropies will enhance the film’s launch with digital, educational and grassroots support.
Sidney Beaumont, Joe Berlinger, Jon Kamen and Justin Wilkes serve as executive producers with RadicalMedia. Katherine Oliver serves as executive producer for Bloomberg Philanthropies. For National Geographic, president, original programming and production is Tim Pastore.
Follow for updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @FromTheAshesDoc or visit FromTheAshesFilm.com and visit National Geographic Education for educational resources focusing on coal and other sources of energy.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies works in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2016, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed over half a billion dollars. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Carriero, +1 212-205-0182 or Rebeccac@bloomberg.org