Power Reels: Energy on Film
Event Summary
Join us for a screening of King Coal (2023), a documentary by director Elaine McMillion Sheldon that explores the deep cultural roots of coal in Appalachia, tracing its enduring legacy even as its economic power diminishes. Through the lens of personal narrative and regional history, the film examines the complex interplay between coal-dependent communities, labor traditions, environmental change, and the shifting landscape of American energy production.
The event will begin with a brief discussion framing the film from a cinema studies perspective, followed by the screening and a post-film Q&A exploring themes of environmental history.
This event is part of Energy Week at Penn. Check out the rest of the 2026 programming at energyweek.upenn.edu.
