Washington, D.C. - Alabama-based documentary short Sallie’s Ashes  has received one of the top four juried awards at the 2026 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF), earning the prestigious Eric Moe Award for Best Short on Sustainability. The Eric Moe Award is presented annually to a film that most powerfully advances sustainability solutions and reflects the balance between human needs and the natural world. As one of only four major awards presented by

PUBLISHER: Gulf Coast Media. Thursday, October 9, 2025 BY GABRIELLA CHAVEZ
 Report for America Corps Member 
GCM Staff Journalist The Coal Ash Action Group; a grassroots movement born from Sallie Smith’s determination to protect the waters that shaped part of their lives.

The Coal Ash Action Group is happy to announce the incredible outpouring of support for the film, "Sallie's Ashes" at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado in August. Sallie Smith, now deceased, led a group of fellow Alabama grandmothers to fight for the removal of a toxic coal ash pond that threatens the waters of Mobile Bay. A film crew followed us. the Coal Ash Action Group volunteers, around in 2023-2024 as we worked to make people aware of the Coal Ash pond next to the

Thanks to all who wrote us about this award from Mobile Bay Magazine. You can read their whole article and see other recipients at this...

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