"King Coal: Unveiling the Legacy of Appalachia's Dying Industry"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Jacobin magazine
Documentary filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon explores the socioeconomic relationship between Appalachia and its central resource, coal, in her new film "King Coal." Through intimate and philosophical storytelling, Sheldon captures the decline of the coal industry and its impact on the region's communities. The film highlights the intergenerational perspectives of Central Appalachians, including Sheldon's coal miner grandfather, as they grapple with the loss of their once-dominant industry and search for a new direction. Sheldon also focuses on the role of children in shaping the future of Appalachia and challenges the myths surrounding coal's significance.