6. Field of Flowers by Jude Binder was an exquisite art film that dealt with the horrors of domestic abuse. I loved her mixing of art and documentary, utilizing many of WV’s finest artists as musicians, animators, dancers, etc.

7. John Brown’s Body by Bill Wilkinson for WVPBS was one of the best recent films by WVPBS. I loved how he showed the gritty reality of contemporary racism along with the great events that took place long ago in WV’s storied past - John Brown’s revolt and the creation of Storer College which hosted a historic conference.

8. 2007 was the year of films produced in WV that link it to the rest of the world - Luis Argeo’s ” AsturianUS,” filmed in Spelter, Harrison County and northern Spain, Kevin Carpenter’s “One World - Makanatu on Kilimajaro” and Abdula Hamza’s “Video Huts” filmed in Tanzania, showing how the collapse of the movie theaters in his home country accompanied the collapse of socialism, and Reidun Ovrbo’s fine film on Norway’s leading artist, “Remains of Actions” about Morten Viskum. I think that all of these films were very interesting and should be shown to art students, college students, and adults everywhere in WV and the world.

9. Coal Camp Memories  by Karen Vuranch. This film version of Karen’s much performed and much praised one-woman play does a good job capturing her performance plus includes some nice photographs and music. There is no other film which focuses on the life of women in WV’s coal camps during the Thirties and Forties so it is an essential film for any good WV film collection.

10. Crum – the audio book. Ross Ballard has done a sensational job turning Lee Maynard’s landmark book into an audio movie with great music and sound effects. For years many, many people have contacted me and Maynard of course about making a film version of his book. Now it’s done - and has won national acclaim. Ballard worked with Wess Harris on helping the History Channel do a great job on the WV Coal Mine Wars, in particular, covering The Battle of Blair Mountain. ( The commercial title, available at The History Channel is “Hillbilly - the Real Story.” Much of the rest of the two hour documentary is pretty stereotypic, covering moonshine and stock car racing.)

I also have to include honorable mention to Dennis Strom for his great film on the Children’s Theater, “Magic in the Valley.” Like “Method in the Mountains,” it shows all the effort and talent that goes into the theatrical experience.

The film event of the year was the return of Greek-West Virginia author Christopher Janus. I might have to rank it as the single most gratifying film event in my 35 year life as a professional film exhibitionist, in particular, after I read Xris Hess’ great story about her grandfather and his link to Janus - and her’s. Indeed, like many people said to me, “We should have more events like that one….” Thanks to the SCMF staff and board, the WV Labor History Assn., the Bilirakus clan for financial and food support, and of course, thanks to Mr. Janus, Valerie and Dr. Kalaras. There were many other great monthly film events at SCM starting with Ken Hechler introducing the films of WV’s most famous filmmaker, Pare Lorentz, to Rudy Panucci introducing his Radio Free Charleston Show. Also, thanks to Doug Imbrogno and the Charleston Gazette, I was able to post to this blog after Graffiti disappeared as my outlet of 15 years.

Some films I am looking forward to seeing in 2008 – Russ Barbour’s feature documentary, “Ken Hechler: The Pursuit of Justice,” Robert Tinnell’s film version of his own graphic novel, “The Feast of Seven Fishes,” Jason Brown’s documentary on the making and meaning of “Matewan,” called “Them that Work,” Ray and Judy Schmitt’s last co-production, “Dead Girl Walking,” B.J. Gudmundsson’s new film, “Rise Up! West Virginia,” Mari-Lynn Evans new feature film on mountaintop removal mining, David Novack’s new MTR film, “Burning the Future,” and Kelley Thompson’s Widen Film Project. Also, Greg Harpold promised me he would finish editing his film version of Dan Kehde’s play, “Grovers Corners.”