“King Coal,” a feature-length documentary by West Virginia-raised and Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Elaine McMillion Sheldon and Curren Sheldon was partially filmed in 2022 at the Benedict Haid Farm. “King Coal” meditates on the complex history and future of the coal industry and the communities it has shaped. The critical, breathtaking closing scene of the movie took place above the barn, just past the Black Bear Lodge. “King Coal” premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and has since played at multiple festivals in the United States and Canada winning multiple jury awards. The film was also named one of Esquire's Most Anticipated Documentaries of 2023. Below are behind-the-scene images of production of the film at the farm as well as still photos from the film.
