A 28-minute love letter to the film that armed West Virginia with cameras and a cause.
Documentary about the impact left by John Sayles’ 1987 film Matewan, about a shooting between company gun thugs and union organizers in Southern West Virginia. Along with a lasting legacy of support for union rights, the film inspired many West Virginians to become filmmakers and introduced the world to many great actors.
Acting
Chris Cooper and David Strathairn's raw, unscripted recollections.
Direction
Jason Brown weaves archival footage with present-day West Virginia.
Director
Jason Brown
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Will Oldham (Bonnie 'Prince' Billy) appears here as a Matewan veteran—he played a 13-year-old preacher in the 1987 film.
The 2018 West Virginia teachers' strike echoed Matewan's themes; this documentary was completed during that revived labor moment.
US
