The public is invited to a free documentary screening Monday at the DeSoto Theatre in downtown Rome, focusing on PFAS contamination in the South and its impact on Northwest Georgia.

The documentary is part of a months-long investigative project titled, “Forever Stained: The South’s Carpet Empire and the Chemicals that Don’t Go Away.” The project was produced by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Post and Courier in South Carolina, AL.com in Alabama, FRONTLINE PBS, and The Associated Press.

Doors will open at 5:45 PM, and the film begins at 6:30 PM.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for a moderated conversation led by CRBI Executive Director Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman. The discussion will include investigative reporters Brad Schrade and Dylan Jackson with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as well as Dr. Dana Barr of Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.

Organizers say the conversation will highlight the multi-year investigation into forever chemicals, including what happened, how PFAS contamination has affected communities, and the ongoing concerns surrounding health and water quality in Northwest Georgia.

PFAS chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment.

Thanks to FRONTLINE and National Public Broadcasting, the screening is free to attend, but reservations are required.