Add to Calendar
When:
September 6, 2019 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
2019-09-06T18:30:00-04:00
2019-09-06T21:00:00-04:00
Where:
Peace Center of Delaware County
1001 Old Sproul Rd Springfield
PA 19064
1001 Old Sproul Rd Springfield
PA 19064
Cost:
Free
Contact:
MATEWAN, WHICH TELLS THE STORY OF A BITTER 1920 STRIKE BY COAL MINERS IN MATEWAN, WEST VIRGINIA, TO BE SCREENED, FRIDAY, SEPT. 6, 7P.M., AT THE PEACE CENTER OF DELAWARE COUNTY, 1001 OLD SPROUL ROAD IN SPRINGFIELD.
THE SHOWING OF THE 1987 FILM BY JOHN SAYLES’ IS PART OF
THE PEACE CENTER’S FREE FIRST-FRIDAY FILM SERIES.
THE FILM IS RATED PG-13 AND HAS A RUNNING TIME OF 132 MINUTES.
DOORS OPEN AT 6:30P.M. WITH LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
MATEWAN brings to life the bitter coal miners strike of 1920 in Mingo County, West Virginia The mining company cuts workers’ wages. The miners go on strike. The mining company imports African Americans and Italian workers from outside to break the strike.
An interracial struggle ensues, until workers realize their strength lies in solidarity. Union organizer Joe Kenehan says, “You know there ain’t but two sides in this world—them that work and them that don’t. You work; they don’t. That’s all you got to know about the enemy.”
The film’s unfolding drama culminates in a tragic confrontation. Within the riveting events of the struggle, writer and one of the most prominent independent film makers, John Sayles, weaves issues of economic power and social justice, racial and ethnic partnership, and the question of nonviolence versus violence to achieve justice.
Chris Cooper stars in the pivotal role of union organizer Joe Kenehan. The always superb James Earl Jones plays the leader of the Black workers.
There are heroes and villains throughout the film, dramatic turns, and suspense from start to finish.
MATEWAN is timeless, classic movie storytelling with multiple messages and lessons from American labor history: lessons for our times, certainly.
Other films by John Sayles, the Academy Award Nominated Independent film maker, include:EIGHT MEN OUT about the 1919 World Series scandal and AMIGO about early American military involvement in the Philippines.
The First-Friday Free Film series at the Peace Center of Delaware County is held monthly and is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community.
For directions to the Peace Center of Delaware County or more information visit www.delcopeacecenter.org or call 484-574-1148.