Local disaster remembered in film

by Lauren Gross
THE POST

On November 5, 1930, disaster struck Athens County when the Millfield Mine exploded, leaving 82 people dead. Today, nearly 70 years later, it will be remembered.

Justin Zimmerman, a first-year Master’s of Fine Arts student in the School of Film, is making a documentary on the explosion.

"I wanted to do a film relevant to the community," Zimmerman said.

With help from his high school pal, Geoffrey Redick, a senior journalism major, and other film students, Zimmerman is carrying out his goal.

One night, while working on another project, Zimmerman and some friends were driving around the area. Getting lost, they wound up seeing a sign for the Millfield Mine Explosion. Feeding his curiosity, he went back the next day to find out more about the situation.

Next, Zimmerman researched archives on the explosion. While doing so, he learned that the Millfield Mine disaster was the largest explosion in the Ohio’s history.

"Back then, Millfield was only a mining town," Zimmerman said, "This

historical event separates Millfield from any other mining town."

Through his research, Zimmerman came across a man named Sigmund Kozma.

Kozma is the only remaining survivor of the explosion. Zimmerman says he has developed a friendship with Kozma.

"I knew I had an idea, but I didn't know I had to film it until I talked to Sigmund," Zimmerman said. "He's a wonderful individual and I have a lot of respect for him."

The documentary is titled ••Meeting Again: A Story of the Millfield Mine Explosion••. The story is told through Kozma and the eyes of the camera.

"His view is important, because it's from a man who has seen something catastrophic in his life and proceeded to live through it successfully," Zimmerman said.

"If a documentary is any good, it will be about helping people," Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman's participated in many volunteer organizations throughout his life. During his experience with helping others, he's often found himself in awe of other people's life stories. Right now, Zimmerman's interest lies in documentaries.

"A lot of people don't get into documentary because of the cost," he said. For Zimmerman, however, the cost of this film will not be a significant issue.

Recently, Zimmerman received a grant from the College of Fine Arts to help him with the documentary. The I. Hollis Parry/Ann Parry Billman Fine Arts Award is given yearly to one graduate student. The award came originated in 1997, said Sharon Ball, administrative assistant to the College of Fine Arts.

As part of the selection process, applicants were asked to submit detailed proposals of their projects.

"We never thought we'd get it," Zimmerman said. "This year was the first year this grant was given to a first-year student."

The $7,316 grant will allow for more risks and the purchase of better equipment, Zimmerman said.

"It's good to have people who believe in you," Zimmerman said.

"I think it is great and he deserves it," said Paul Sorohan, a first-year Master’s of Art student in the school of film.

Sorohan served on the documentary crew as the assistant cameraman.

"He (Zimmerman) worked really hard and put a lot of work into it," Sorohan said.