Past Film/Video | Visiting Filmmakers | Contemporary Screen

King Coal

(Elaine McMillion Sheldon, 2023)

with Elaine McMillion Sheldon in person
Q&A follows screening

Columbus Premiere

Emmy-winning filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon returns to the Wex to present her latest film King Coal and to discuss the film with Columbus musician Brian Harnetty.

The cultural roots of coal continue to permeate the rituals of daily life in Appalachia even as its economic power wanes. Sheldon, a coal miner’s daughter, explores the region’s dreams and myths, untangling the pain and beauty, as her community sits on the brink of massive change. 

Through a remarkably collaborative filmmaking process, King Coal provides a unique portrait of the region. The film channels the spirit of the Appalachian people and land to imagine new futures and stories outside of the region’s relationship to coal. Sheldon is a distinct and innovative artistic voice documenting contemporary Appalachia. After the screening, she will be joined by Columbus composer and musician Brian Harnetty—who has centered many sound and listening projects in Appalachia—for a memorable conversation. (78 mins., DCP)

IMAGE CAPTION 
King Coal, courtesy of Elaine McMillion Sheldon

"Appalachia rises in this poetic and personal doc. King Coal begins with the ashes and ends as a phoenix."
Katie Rife, IndieWire

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SUPPORT FOR ​FILM/VIDEO​ PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY 
Rohauer Collection Foundation 
 
WEXNER CENTER PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY 
Ohio Department of Development 
Greater Columbus Arts Council 
The Wexner Family 
Institute of Museum and Library Services 
Ohio Arts Council 
CampusParc 
Ohio State’s Global Arts + Humanities Discovery Theme 
The Columbus Foundation 
Nationwide Foundation 
Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease 
 
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY 
Mike and Paige Crane 
Axium Packaging 
Nancy Kramer 
Ohio State Energy Partners 
Ohio History Fund/Ohio History Connection 
Larry and Donna James 
Bruce and Joy Soll 
Jones Day 
Alex and Renée Shumate 

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Past Film/Video

King Coal