Climate Movie Recommendations
Flying around on Google Earth was one way I learned my locations in THANK YOU FOR BURNING. Another deep connection was from watching films. These films helped me understand the culture of coal over time. It was an obscure world unknown to me beyond the plentiful stereotypes.
I've curated a list of recommendations to check out:
Harlan County 1976
Harlan County USA (1976) I found the struggles of miners and their families heartbreaking as they worked to get unionized and secure decent wages in Appalachia. The coercive hand of the coal owners is naked for all to see. Their dignity in fighting entrenched power inspired my character, Julia.
Coal Miner's Daughter, 1980
Beautiful singer Loretta Lynn escapes the 'holler and becomes a beloved country music goddess. As I imagined Julia, I thought she should look like Loretta, not Sissy Spacek, but the film works. Scenes in the 'holler' returned my tramping around the woods in the Potomac River watershed.
Matewan, 1987 John Sayles brings the Matewan spark that began the coalfield war to the screen. Intense characters flesh out this story: Baldwin muscle for the Stone Mountain mine owners, union organizers, spies, the miners, and scabs. Mountain folk in and out of town collide in a Hollywood-style drama.
Devil Put The Coal In The Ground, 2021
This is personal storytelling by native West Virginians, Chronicling the realities of a crumbling economy, the ravages of the opioid epidemic, irreparable environmental damage, and its tragic impact on their health. The story of Appalachia is a cautionary tale of what happens when unchecked corporate power exploits the people who live on top of energy resources.
King Coal, 2023
This is an achingly beautiful eulogy for the culture of coal. For centuries, the Appalachian people have endured pain and suffering while King Coal plunders the natural beauty of their land to profit himself. At the end of his reign, this film explores the region's dreams and myths, untangling the pain and beauty.
Running for the Mountains 2024
Premiering in SF on Oct 17th at the Green Film Festival, Running for the Mountains connects the dots between coal power and political control over the state.
I hope you enjoy them!