RIVERTON—Wyoming PBS brings viewers an evening that celebrates two very different sides of Wyoming with back-to-back broadcast premieres of two new documentaries on Nov. 29. One explores mountains where so much of the identity of climbers is formed, and the other looks below the surface of Wyoming’s trona mining heritage.
Tune in to Wyoming PBS at 6:30 p.m. for “Mountain Roots: The Adventure Home,” followed by “Afar & Below: The Story of the Wyoming Trona Miners” immediately following at 7:30 p.m.
“From a young climber discovering her roots to the trona miners who keep a cornerstone Wyoming industry moving, these films represent the incredible range of stories found here,” says Wyoming PBS CEO Joanna Kail. “We’re excited to bring both perspectives to audiences in a single night.”
“Mountain Roots”
What happens when youthful curiosity meets a spirit of adventure? Meet Bennett, a 9-year-old from Rock Springs who has already conquered some of the most iconic mountain ranges in her home state. Now, her journey takes her across the Atlantic to Northern Italy, where she uncovers a deep family legacy nestled in the heart of the Alps.
Bennett’s Grandpa Gary joins her on the adventure, which includes meeting her Italian family. With help from a local mountaineer, Bennett explores not only the rugged landscape but also a cultural heritage that might explain her natural love for the outdoors.
This documentary is a co-production with Burning Torch Productions.
More information about the film can be found at https://www.wyomingpbs.org/mountainroots/.
“Afar & Below”
The trona industry is deeply woven into Wyoming’s culture, yet the story of the miners who keep this massive industry running remains untold. The film follows a day in the miners’ lives underground, exploring the community, culture, and history of these subterranean cities, and their impact on life above the surface.
This documentary is a Wyoming PBS production directed by Burning Torch Productions.
More information about the film can be found at https://www.wyomingpbs.org/afar-and-below/.
“Wyoming PBS has always been a champion of local storytelling, and we’re proud to partner with them to share these Wyoming-made films with audiences across the state,” says Burning Torch Productions’ Mark Pedri. “People are often surprised when they hear that Rock Springs has a special connection to Italy, and similarly surprised when we tell them about how Sweetwater County is the largest supplier of natural soda ash in the world.
“This premiere event highlights both of these unique Wyoming stories in a way that shows how connected we really are,” he adds.
Both documentaries will air on Wyoming PBS and stream live on the PBS App. There are several encores scheduled; find details at https://www.wyomingpbs.org/tv-schedules/.