During a trip to the small town of Karabash by the Ural mountains, artist and filmmaker Carolin Koss felt compelled to capture the shocking effects of environmental pollution caused by excessive industrial exploitation. She started interviewing people, who call this seemingly post-apocalyptic place home. On her journey through the surrounding area, she encountered harrowing stories of survival, resignation, transformation and resilience. Avoiding sensationalism, Copper Mountains tells the story of a disturbing reality in achingly beautiful pictures.