The producers of a new 30-minute documentary about Macon County hope it can provide a starting point for discussions about how to protect the land.

“Macon County residents share a profound love of the land and the daunting challenge of accommodating rapid growth. By focusing on these commonalities, we hope that we can foster an inclusive, informed, and productive dialogue about Macon County’s future,” said Carla Norwood, one of the producers of the documentary.

The DVD mixes graphics and still photography with audio recordings. Included are more than 50 interviews with Macon County residents who share their views about the mountains and how they are changing as growth occurs.

The opinions voiced on the documentary represent a wide range of viewpoints and came from people from all walks of life.

Mike Breedlove, who grew up in Macon County, bemoaned the loss of friendliness that used to exist among landowners.

“We’re just losing things we used to do. No one rabbit hunts anymore. If someone saw you on their land, used to they’d yell and say, ‘come on up for a cup of coffee,”’ Breedlove said.

Bob Scott feared that elected leaders weren’t doing enough to protect the landscapes: “We’re not planning for growth, we’re just growing.”

The premier of the documentary attracted about 30 people to the Ramsey Regional Activity Center at Western Carolina University last week. Macon Tomorrow and the WNC Alliance sponsored the project. Ben Brown, who is one of the leaders of Macon Tomorrow, said the next step is to get people talking reasonably about the desires and problems expressed in the documentary.

“It’s our place to soften the ground for a conversation about a comprehensive plan that could lead to an ordinance,” said Brown.

Four public meetings are planned to show the DVD and hold public discussions:

• Aug. 16 — 6:30 p.m. at the Macon County Community Building at the recreation park.

• Aug. 18 — 6:30 p.m. at Cowee School.

• Aug. 23 — 6:30 p.m. at Nantahala School.

• Aug. 25 — 6:30 p.m. at the Highlands Civic Center.