Students and faculty from Kutztown University collaborated to create a short film at the historic Eckley Miners’ Village on October 24, 2025. The film focuses on the 1868 murder of Alexander Rea, founder of the now-deserted borough of Centralia, and it serves as an integral part of an upcoming play titled “Centralia: The Fire Below.”
Professor Deryl Johnson, who originally wrote a play about Centralia in 1998, selected Eckley as a shooting location due to its authentic representation of 19th-century coal mining communities. The film aims to enhance the narrative of the play, which will premiere at the Plays and Player Theatre in Philadelphia on September 17, 18 and 19, 2026.
The production team donned costumes reminiscent of the 1860s, immersing themselves in the era’s aesthetic as they shot scenes throughout the village. During filming, student Kirsten Heim portrayed a character digging in a garden, adorned in a straw bonnet and floral apron, while narrating the events surrounding Rea’s murder and the subsequent trial.
Heim, who is also involved in community theater, worked alongside Cara Cotellese, a retired professor of cinema, television and media production, who directed the film. Approximately 50 participants, including students and faculty, filled various roles in the production.
The film crew faced challenges typical of outdoor shoots. Student Will Brenner, managing sound, had to adjust for ambient noise from a nearby truck during a garden scene. Additionally, crew member Lucas Garcia worked closely with Cotellese and associate professor Scott Bastedo to ensure the lighting was optimal for a scene shot in a summer kitchen.
While waiting for his scene, sophomore Max Ford expressed his excitement about the location, noting that he hoped to find his great-grandparent’s grave in the village’s cemetery. Ford’s grandparents, Tom and MaryEllen Kordowski, traveled from Sweet Valley to support him and participated as extras in the film.
The historical context of the story is significant. Nine years after Rea’s murder, three men were convicted and sentenced to death, believed to be affiliated with the Molly Maguires, a group associated with violence in the coalfields. This rich history adds depth to the narrative being captured on film.
Ralph Ellis, an 83-year-old extra in the film and former resident of Eckley, shared his personal connection to the village. He fondly recalled the days when his father chauffeured actor Richard Harris during the filming of “The Molly Maguires” in 1968. Ellis reminisced about his childhood experiences in Eckley, including exploring the mine tunnels.
The administration at Eckley, represented by Bode Morin, has welcomed previous film crews and continues to support new projects. Although the museum did not charge for using the grounds, Kutztown University plans to make a donation to the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation for the use of the site.
Johnson began planning this film shoot two years ago, aiming to incorporate the short films into the live production of “Centralia: The Fire Below.” He intends to share personal stories and artifacts from Centralia residents, enriching the narrative for audiences.
As filming concludes, the team plans to shoot one final scene outside a local Catholic church, featuring an actor portraying the Rev. Daniel Ignatus McDermott. Historical accounts suggest that McDermott faced violence from the Molly Maguires, leading him to curse the town of Centralia, a poignant reminder of its turbulent past.
The films produced will not only provide visual storytelling for the play but also serve as a bridge connecting the community’s history to future generations.