King Coal

About King Coal

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

King Coal is a 2023 documentary film directed by Elaine McMillion Sheldon. It runs 78 minutes and was released in August 2023.

Its themes are environment, appalachia, and energy.

Elaine McMillion Sheldon stars as Narrator (voice), Lanie Marsh as Self, Gabrielle Wilson as Self, and Doy Leon Russell as Self. The screenplay is by Elaine McMillion Sheldon. Produced by Fishbowl Films. It streams on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel in the United States.

Tomorrow, The Sun Queen, and Deep Time make useful companions to King Coal. It carries a NR rating.