Directed by: Elizabeth Barret
1982
Running Time: 40:00
Color
Interviewed at home and on the job, women coal miners tell of the conditions that led them to seek employment in this traditionally male-dominated industry--and the problems they encountered once hired. Watching these women bolt mine roofs, shovel beltlines, haul rock dust, and build ventilation barriers leaves little doubt that they can, indeed, do the work. Proud of their accomplishments, the women also seem to bring a special understanding to the problems all miners face. Coalmining Women traces women’s significant contributions to past coalfield struggles and the importance of their newer position as working miners. It is an excellent film for audiences interested in women in nontraditional roles, women’s history, labor studies, and women as a force for social change.
Reviews
"Highly recommended." -Catalyst: A Bibliography of Audio-Visual Materials Relating to Women and Work
"THE film on this topic for a long time to come. Thoroughly engrossing." -AAAS Science Books and Film
"A powerful and insightful film." -George Stoney, Filmmaker and Professor of Film and TV, New York University
"An important contribution to the growing archives of labor history and a stirring tribute to the women who fought for the right to mine this nation’s coal." -Richard Trumka, President, United Mine Workers of America
Screenings & Festivals
American Film Festival--Honorable Mention
Athens International Film Festival--Special Merit Award
Baltimore International Film Festival--Second Prize
Channel 4/Great Britain
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
London Film Festival
Margaret Mead Film Festival
National Conference of Christians and Jews--Distinguished Merit Citation
Women in the Director’s Chair
World Congress of Sociology, Mexico City
