From HEROIN(E) to KING COAL: Academy Award–Nominated Filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon on Community, Intentional Storytelling, and the Future of Documentary

Academy Award–nominated, Emmy and Peabody Award–winning filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon joins The Slow Dive for a rich and enlightening conversation about storytelling, community, and care. Known for her acclaimed documentaries HEROIN(E) and RECOVERY BOYS, both streaming on Netflix, and her most recent film KING COAL, now available on Apple TV, Elaine shares her journey into documentary filmmaking and the personal, place-based lens she brings to each project.

We examine the evolving landscape of nonfiction storytelling and the challenges of addressing sensitive topics, such as addiction and mental health, with compassion and nuance. Elaine emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the significance of home, and the responsibility filmmakers carry to slow down and build genuine relationships with their participants. She a ...