The film, which was screened at a few theaters in the state during the first weekend in February, takes a close look at the coal mining industry and the impact it has towns and people. It centers on a tragic mining accident.
The film has enjoyed a limited release, opening at 15 theaters across the country in January. It also made the rounds of film festivals last year, earning a nomination for the Independent Spirit Awards. Poster printing could help promote the movie, which is also available through ‘video on demand’ providers to a wider audience.
The writer and director of Little Accidents, Sara Colangelo, spoke to the audience at a private screening of the movie at South Charleston's Marquee Cinema. According to the Charleston Gazette, Colangelo was inspired by the Upper Big Branch Mine accident in 2010, which killed 29 miners. She wanted to create an authentic film that gave audiences a better idea of what West Virginia is like and a greater understanding of what goes on in towns where coal mining is the central activity. She said:
"I feel West Virginia has been misrepresented in the past, particularly the coal industry, which is a controversial topic few understand. People have many strong opinions but really don’t know much about mining.”