Pictures from Widen/Mother Jones Film Program
Below are some of the photos taken at the recent Widen Film Project - Mother Jones Film event co-sponsored by the South Charleston Museum and the WV Labor History Assoc. on May 10th. Today’s Gazette already has been writing in about where they can see the fine films. Hopefully Widen will be shown in various community locations in Clay County soon - and Mother Jones will be shown all over WV and the world - given that you can purchase a copy for $10 from the Mother Jones Museum.
Steve Pilato from Governor Manchin’s office read a letter of greeting from Gov. Manchin.
Delegate Pino who represents Widen in WV House of Delegates
Widen director Kelley Thompson with good friend Pat Love.
WV Labor History prez Gordon Simmons introduces the WV Labor Film Night, co-sponsored by WVLHA. The group has co-sponsored many landmark events during the WV film festival including the first regular program, “Mine Wars.” Other film programs including WV premiere of restored DVD of “Harlan County, USA,” world premiere of Karen Vuranch’s “Coal Camp Memories,” WV premieres of “The Battle of Local 5668″ and “AsturianUS” last May, “The Wobblies” in honor of their 100th anniversary, and bringing Davitt McAteer and Jack Spadaro together for the first time since Spadaro was famously forced to resign from NMHSA in May 2005. McAteer presented his short film “Monongah 1907″ and Spadaro presented WV premiere of “Sludge” which profiles his long career starting at Buffalo Creek, fighting for WV miners and people.
The Buffalo Girls with materials - they are one of the main groups that got the film made….and want to rebuild their local railroad for tours.
Steve Fesenmaier holding Mother Jones DVDs. All were sold.
Director Kelley Thompson with Clay County friends, eating dinner before the premiere at Main Tin - SCM’s unofficial restaurant.
Dr. Joel Levien and wife Felicia share dinner at the Main Tin with film people and then attend the premiere.
SCM secretary Lura Watkins with SCM vice-chairman Steve Fesenmaier visiting the Buffalo Girls booth.
WV historian Mike Wilson, interviewed extensively in film
SCM treasurer Bob Arbogast with green sport coat helping out selling tickets and the Buffalo Girls reception
Connie Lupardus, director of CAEZ, and some of the Buffalo Girls on stage
Kelley, Connie, Delegate Pino in front row watching film
Clay County musician John Morris, at the premiere. He told me why he did NOT attend the WV premiere of a very nice film he starred in, “The Fifth String,” with Dwight Diller. I suggested that someone show the new Widen Film Project along with Robert Gates’ classic “Morris Brothers Old Time Music Festival” somewhere in Clay County. I guess he doesn’t want to show “The Fifth String”.;
Some of the 200 + people attending the world premiere
