Alabama’s 'Sallie’s Ashes' Wins Top Sustainability Honor at National Environmental Film Festival
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
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 the festival — and accompanied by a $5,000 prize — it represents one of the highest honors given at the internationally recognized event.
Sallie’s Ashes was honored for its compelling storytelling and its spotlight on coal ash contamination and citizen-led efforts to protect communities and waterways. The film chronicles how ordinary citizens — many with no prior political experience — organized, educated themselves, and demanded accountability on environmental and public health concerns. Since its release, Sallie’s Ashes has drawn record crowds at libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state.
Now in its 34th year, the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital is the longest-running environmental film festival in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Each March, it presents more than 100 films to audiences of approximately 20,000–30,000 people across Washington, D.C. Winning one of its four juried awards places Sallie’s Ashes among an elite group of films recognized for both artistic excellence and measurable environmental impact.
“This recognition shows that a story that began in Alabama communities can carry national significance,” said the filmmakers. “It affirms the power of grassroots voices and the importance of protecting our land and water for future generations.”
For tickets to the event held in Washington D.C, March 28th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm: https://dceff.org/
Brennan Robideaux, Director. "Making the Documentary": https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lCSNZcpiizw
