PBS to air High Plains Films documentary on Libby
By JAMIE KELLY
Missoulian
August 19, 2007

The story of the poisoning of Libby, known so well in these parts, is about to be told to millions of viewers around the nation.

PBS' “P.O.V.” documentary series has decided to air “Libby, Montana,” the High Plains Films documentary about the asbestos-poisoning tragedy that has claimed more than 200 lives in that town - and continues to exact a deadly toll.

PBS will air the documentary - co-directed and co-produced by Doug Hawes-Davis and filmmaker Drury Gunn Carr - on Aug. 28 to an expected audience of 3 million viewers.

“It's certainly a huge honor to be selected for that series,” said Hawes-Davis. High Plains Films, located in the Wilma building, also produces the yearly Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.

It will be by far the documentary's biggest audience. Though “Libby, Montana” has been shown at festivals around the world - receiving numerous honors and awards - never before has it been shown on national television.

Hawes-Davis has been shopping his documentary around since he finished it in 2004. Originally nearly 2 1/2 hours in length for festival showings, Hawes-Davis later cut it to just over two hours for its first DVD release.

When he and PBS struck a deal on “Libby, Montana,” PBS asked him to cut out even more. He did, getting it down to 82 minutes in what he called “a difficult process.”

“When you're an independent filmmaker, it's exciting to be on a series like this,” said Hawes-Davis. “But then you get down to the details, and it's like, ‘Oh my God, I can't believe how much you have to do.' ”

Still, he said, the story line remains intact, and its impact is still powerful and emotional.

The national airing of “Libby, Montana” occurs on the day of a new two-disc release of the film on DVD. Typecast Films will release a version that includes the full DVD-length film, additional scenes, outtakes and a specially produced CD of the documentary's soundtrack.

“P.O.V.” is one of PBS' most popular series, bringing documentary films to audiences since 1987.

“Libby, Montana” tells the story of Libby through the eyes of victims of the asbestos poisoning, which came to light in 1999. The release of the new DVD and airing on PBS comes as W.R. Grace executives await trial on criminal charges related to the asbestos contamination.

Reporter Jamie Kelly can be reached at 523-5254 or at jkelly@missoulian.com

“Libby” on the air

‘Libby Montana,' will air as the ‘P.O.V' (point of view) program Tuesday, Aug. 28 on Montana PBS/KUFM-TV at 8 p.m. Check local listings for times on other public TV stations.