Individual Artist Fellowship in Film Recipient: Elaine McMillion Sheldon

By Krishna Adams, Director of Visual Arts, Craft, Media, and Design –

Knoxville-based filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon, with roots in West Virginia, has been honored with the Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF) in Film. The Tennessee Arts Commission awards IAFs annually to recognize and acknowledge outstanding professional artists living and working in Tennessee who, through their work, add to the state’s cultural vitality.

Sheldon, a graduate of West Virginia University (B.S., News Editorial Journalism, Summa cum laude, 2009) and Emerson College (M.F.A., Visual & Media Art, 2013), has a knack for uncovering hidden narratives. Her films, often shot with her husband Curren, are known for their rich cinematography and authentic storytelling.

Through her documentaries, Sheldon examines the intersection of social issues and personal experiences. For example, in the six-part documentary, “My Love, Don’t Cross That River” highlights the love story of an elderly couple, while “Tutwiler” and “Recovery Boys” delve into the struggles of women in prison and men recovering from addiction.

Sheldon’s latest documentary, “King Coal,” premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and was praised by critics. The New York Times named it a Critics’ Pick, and Esquire and Marie Claire named it one of the best documentaries of the year. It screened at over 40 festivals and 50 theaters in 2023 and was also had its national broadcast premiere on PBS. The film was the season opener for PBS’ POV, America’s longest-running non-fiction series. The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and other streaming channels. Find out more about King Coal on Instagram. Sheldon was recently invited to join the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Listed as one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film” by Filmmaker Magazine, Sheldon has also been named one of “50 People Changing the South” by Southern Living Magazine. She has received fellowships from Chicken & Egg Pictures, and United States Artists. She has directed, produced, and written over 20 short films and two feature-length documentaries, with support from various institutions.

Sheldon’s work has been honored with prestigious awards, including nominations and wins from the Academy Awards, Peabody Awards, Emmy Awards, and World Press Photo Awards. She is a recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, Creative Capital Award, and a finalist for the Livingston Award.

Sheldon has been interviewed on a variety of media outlets, including NPR, WUOT, MSNBC, CNN, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain, and PBS. She has appeared on radio shows, television programs, and podcasts.

When asked for advice for other filmmakers, Sheldon replied, “Films can be made about anything. While securing funding it’s always a challenge; make work even when no one is looking. To be good in the field of documentary film you must be passionate about it. Find current stories in your backyard that have been overlooked and shine light on a different angle. Don’t wait for permission to tell stories and don’t go into credit card debt to make your films happen.”

Sheldon plans to use the IAF award to partially fund development for her next feature-length film. She is the owner of Requisite Media, LLC and an assistant professor of cinema studies at the University of Tennessee School of Art in Knoxville. For more information about Sheldon and her award-winning documentary work check out her website.