Participation Type
Film
Session Title
Rendville and Millfield: Two Documentary Films on Race Relations and Coal Mining History in Southeast Ohio
Session Abstract or Summary
Rendville and Millfield: Two Documentary Films on Race Relations and
Coal Mining History in Southeast Ohio
Screening and discussing two new documentaries.
1.Rendville: Across the Color Lineis a historical documentary (18 minutes)
that looks at a racially integrated mining town in Perry County, Ohio, whose founder welcomed African Americans and white immigrants from seven European countries according to their abilities to endure the work of late 19th Century coal-mining. They lived side by side, shopped the same stores and attended the same school.
2. Millfield Mine Disaster 1930. On November 5, 1930, the worst coal mine disaster in Ohio history occurred when 82 men died in an underground explosion near Millfield, Ohio.
“The Millfield Mine disaster is the greatest tragedy which has befallen the Hocking coal field…appalling in its magnitude, so appalling that it has shocked the entire nation. It has stricken a district that has never known such stark tragedy, such loss of human life in a single catastrophe.” –Athens Messenger, November 6, 1930.
This 19-minute film uses as its centerpiece a rarely seen 16mm silent film shot on the day after the fatal explosion. In addition, an interview with a grandson who lost family members is featured, as well as an interview with the last surviving miner and several women remembering the community on that day.
After the screening there will be ample time for discussion.
Presentation #1 Title
Screening of Documentaries
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Screening of one 18-minute and one 19-minuted documentary
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
The presenter is filmmaker Burr Beard, an MFA candidate at Ohio University in Communications Media Arts. He has long held an interest in coal mining and in Appalachian music through his band Devilish Merry.
Presentation #2 Title
Response to Work Shown
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Respondent Jack Wright will engage the filmmaker and the audience in a dialogue about the work shown.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
The convener/respondent is Jack Wright, retired Professor, Ohio University Film School and producer of Music of Coal, a coal mining music anthology.
Screening of Documentaries
Screening of one 18-minute and one 19-minuted documentary
