Once We Were Pitmen

About This Movie

Once We Were Pitmen offers a raw glimpse into the world of coal mining as it fades into history. Directed by Christian Johannes Koch, this documentary immerses you in the gritty atmosphere of Germany's coal industry, echoing with the sounds of labor and loss. The film juxtaposes the final days of coal extraction with the rising tide of climate activism, particularly the Fridays for Future movement. There's a palpable tension in the air, a sense of mourning mixed with urgency. The pacing is reflective, allowing you to soak in interviews and archival footage that capture both the muscular resilience of miners and the stark reality of an industry on its last breath. It's not just a history lesson; it's a meditation on change and survival.

Documentary on the decline of coal miningInterviews with former minersThemes of climate change and labor history