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 also reflects on the future of documentary film and how artists can better serve their communities through intentional, human-centered storytelling.

This is a powerful episode for creatives, changemakers, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of a story grounded in empathy, trust, and truth.

https://www.elainemcmillionsheldon.com/

https://www.kingcoalfilm.com

https://www.instagram.com/kingcoalfilm/

https://betweenframes.elainemcmillionsheldon.com