synopsis
The central Appalachian region has always been associated with coal mining, which to this day is not only a source of livelihood but also influences and shapes the lifestyle of local communities. Elaine McMillion Sheldon's documentary is a compelling mosaic that weaves together the past and present myths of the region, as well as a poetic reflection on a unique environment and its transformation. King Coal, as she calls her home, is indeed a place that, like the mountaintops, is dominated by rugged beauty, dreaminess and mysterious stories.
“Some think that place matters less today. But here, we know that our bodies are only ever in one place.”
biography
American documentary filmmaker and producer Elaine McMillion Sheldon (born 1987) is the author of the award-winning Netflix documentaries
Heroin(e) (2017) and
Recovery Boys (2018) about the opioid crisis in the US. Her work explores the personal stories of people from marginalized social classes in America.
more about film
| director: | Elaine McMillion Sheldon |
| producer: | Diane Becker, Shane Boris, Peggy Drexler, Elaine McMillion Sheldon |
| script: | Elaine McMillion Sheldon |
| photography: | Curren Sheldon |
| editing: | Iva Radivojević |
| music: | Bobak Lotfipour |
| sound design: | Alexandra Fehrman, Tim Hoogenakker, Billy Wirasnik, Benjamin L. Cook, Christina Chuyue Wen |
| co-producer: | Curren Sheldon, Molly Born |
| executive producer: | Katherine Drexler, Heather Baldry |
Film at festival
| premiere type: | European Premiere |
| festival edition: | 2023 |
| section: | Ji.hlava Online, Opus Bonum |
| language: | English |
| subtitles: | No Subtitle |
| colour: | Colour |
Info
| director: | Elaine McMillion Sheldon |
| original title: | King Coal |
| country: | United States |
| year: | 2023 |
| running time: | 78 min. |
