8 stories
How do we portray our mining past?
Miners faces covered in coal dust, camaraderie and a parish priest asking for family expansion: they seem to be the regular ingredients of films about our mining past. What does this nostalgic perspective say about us?
On New Year's Eve 1974, the last of Limburg's coal mines closed. They brought prosperity, but after the closure, South Limburg had to reinvent itself. How do we depict this past in contemporary films? Take a look and share your perspective!
Photo: Rianne Peterson on the set of ‘Stoffig Licht’, photo Katja Waltmans, ©2022 Upendi
Director Stijn Coninx: 'As creators, we need to ask ourselves: what’s our point of view?'
Director Mark Handels: 'The 2nd and 3rd generations are exploring the mine stories.'
Director Servé Hermans: 'Truth can sometimes get in the way.'
Director Maarten Diederen: 'I made this film for the mine-less generation.'
Life as a koempel. Yes, please or no, thanks?
Migration to the mining region: a bubble that burst?
The family in the pit village. Husband, wife and... priest?
Life after the pit closures: from black to grey?