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WILKES-BARRE — Wyoming Valley locals were given a sneak peek into the Knox Mine Disaster documentary film during a benefit dinner held at the Anthracite Cafe on Sunday.

Director/Producer David Brocco, a native of West Pittston, gave a presentation on the documentary and showed several clips of the film, which is currently in post-production. The film documents the disaster, which happened on Jan. 22, 1959 in Port Griffith.

Once the presentation was finished, an authentic coal miner’s dinner, prepared by Anthracite Cafe owner Mike Prushinski, was available to guests. Brocco said having the benefit at the anthracite coal-themed restaurant is a great way to connect the Knox Mine Disaster with today.

“It’s a perfect match,” Brocco said. “(Mike Prushinski) has been a supporter of this documentary from the get-go. We became friends and he’s very into the history and preserving the history.”

Locals who remember the disaster attended the event, along with some who have a direct connection to that day in 1959. George Gushanas, of Sweet Valley, said his father, George Gushanas Sr., was a general superintendent at the Huber Breaker in Ashley. Once hearing about the disaster, Gushanas Sr. made his way to Port Griffith to help.

Gushanas said he’s heard stories his entire life.

“I think this is fantastic,” said Gushanas, who is originally from Sugar Notch. “My dad would get very emotional talking about this. He worked in the mines all his life. He always talked about the hardships he saw at the Knox Mine Disaster, but also how he saw everyone come together.”

Gushanas said his father always reminded him that the flood of 1972 is when the Wyoming Valley became the “Valley with a Heart.” His father would then tell him the valley had a heart when the Knox Mine Disaster happened.

“I can’t wait to see the documentary,” Gushanas said. “I hope they can get the funding to finish this to keep the memory. There isn’t a breaker left.”

The film has been in production for the past several years with Brocco’s cousin, Albert, also producing the film. The documentary shows real footage from the disaster, which was obtained from WBRE over the past several years. Brocco said the biggest challenge was taking the 16mm reels and turning them digital.

Brocco’s interest in the documentary sparked after meeting Bob Wolensky, the author of The Knox Mine Disaster: The Final Years of the Northern Anthracite Industry and the Effort to Rebuild a Regional Economy. At first, Brocco said, he didn’t have much interest. But after reading the book he agreed to work on the film.

As far as the turnout for his past two events, Brocco said it’s humbling.

“It’s a great feeling to see there’s so much interest about this documentary,” he said. “I’m hoping that it won’t only be a film for our grandparents, but for us and our kids as well.”

Brocco currently has an Indiegogo campaign seeking donations to finish the movie, which is expected to cost around $60,000. A big portion of that, Brocco said, will go toward an animated reenactment of the disaster. The campaign finishes on Wednesday, but Brocco said it will extend if they don’t reach their goal.

There will be more benefits in the future. For more information about the film, see the Knox Mine Disaster Documentary Facebook page.

Filmmakers David and Albert Brocca present their film ‘Knox Mine Disaster’ at Anthracite Cafe in Wilkes-Barre on Monday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL022916KnoxMine3_toned.jpg.optimal.jpgFilmmakers David and Albert Brocca present their film ‘Knox Mine Disaster’ at Anthracite Cafe in Wilkes-Barre on Monday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Director of ‘Knox Mine Disaster’ Dave Brocca talks about the film at the Anthracite Cafe in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday night.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL022916KnoxMine2_toned.jpg.optimal.jpgDirector of ‘Knox Mine Disaster’ Dave Brocca talks about the film at the Anthracite Cafe in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday night. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

A crowd of people at the Antracite Cafe in Wilkes-Barre take a sneak peek at the documentary film ‘Knox Mine Disaster’ on Monday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_TTL022916KnoxMine1_toned.jpg.optimal.jpgA crowd of people at the Antracite Cafe in Wilkes-Barre take a sneak peek at the documentary film ‘Knox Mine Disaster’ on Monday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader
Benefit dinner attendees saw parts of Knox documentary

By Nick Wagner

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Reach Nick Wagner at 570-991-6406 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick.