MA student Russell Smith will debut his documentary The Last Men Standing this week on Wednesday 4th September 2024 at Cineworld in Seaham. The Last Men Standing “is a documentary focussing on 15 ex-coal Miners from the villages of Blackhall, Horden and Easington (five from each). They provide a compelling, tragic and at times hilarious account of their times growing up in the villages, their times working down the pit, the strike of ’84 and the ultimate demise of the East Durham coal field. All fifteen of the men were made redundant from the staged closures and the film also goes on to show what they did following the closures.”

Locals have the opportunity to see the preview of the film, for free, tomorrow at Cineworld in Seaham (3pm) before it is entered into numerous International and European film festivals later on in 2024. This will be the only opportunity to see the film in a cinematic surrounding prior to the full release in 2025. We caught up with Director Russell to find out more about the project, read on to find out more.

Tell us about your documentary the last men standing?

The feature length documentary focuses on 15 ex coal miners from the villages of Blackhall, Horden and Easington. They provide a detailed story of their own experiences of growing up in the villages, going to work down the pit, the strike of 1984 and the subsequent closures and mass redundancies. It also tells the stories of what they did after the closures and the impact on the communities.

What inspired you to tell this story?

I received an NCB Donkey Jacket from a lady from South Wales. She placed a hand written letter in the jacket explaining how it was her fathers jacket who sadly passed away ages 51 from industrial related diseases. I grow up on the very northern edge of Hartlepool and had family living in the villages I focussed on. I started to wonder what was being done to capture this unique moment in history to ensure it was captured with accuracy, honesty and integrity.

Tell us about the filming process!

The filming was carried out over numerous interviews with the miners as well as many hours spent photographing and filming the local environment. It never gets any warmer on the north east coast in January and February so I was grateful to a couple of independent cafes who always provided a smile and a strong cup of tea.

You have your screening at Cineworld what does it feel like knowing your work will be on the big screen?

I visited the cinema last week to test the DCP and stood in front of the screen. It’s quite daunting really. They have placed the screening in their biggest theatre, with the biggest screen. It will be fantastic to have 13 of the 15 miners in attendance along with their families, friends and members of the communities who have supported the project over the past year.

What do you hope audience members will take away from the film?

The people who have seen the film already are impressed with the levels of honesty and accuracy. I considered using a narrator but as filming went along it became apparent that by letting the guys tell their own stories and work on a style of editing.

You recently completed your MA at the school how did you find the programme?

It was quite hard at first getting back into education after 25 years. Once I got through the first module everything started clicking and falling in to place.

Why did you decide to enrol on to the MA?

I enrolled onto the MA after speaking to Alyson Agar (senior lecturer) about the concept of the project. I was in the process of submitting applications for funding and Alyson explained that the overall process and outcomes would make an MA.

Do you feel the MA has helped your career prospects? What are your next steps?

I didn’t enrol onto the MA to improve my career prospects. I own and run two very busy art galleries and picture framing businesses so I’m not really looking for a change of career. I have two shorter films I’m currently working on. Both are based on people within the communities who have two very different experiences and stories to tell. I’m looking for funding for both so I’m hoping the success of The Last Men Standing helps in securing it. I also need a much overdue holiday.

Keep up to date with Russell’s projects on Instagram through following @beatnikpics and @our.industrial.heritage.cic!

If you would like to attend the screening, please email beatniksmith@gmail.com with your expected numbers. Find out more about our MA programmes here.