“Skin and Coal” is Claudine Boothe’s first independent documentary. It tells the story of two generations of coal mine workers of African and Caribbean descent, living and working in Doncaster, Leeds and Nottingham during the final years of Britain’s coal mining industry.
Through first-hand testimony from the miners and their families, the film records how Black workers moved up from the lowest-paid and most dangerous jobs to most roles underground, the conditions they worked in, and the discrimination they went on meeting outside the pits.
Filmed in 1986, “Skin and Coal” stands as the only known audio-visual record of Caribbean people’s presence in this historic British industry: a story of resistance and resilience, and a call to address the racial and labour injustices that outlived the pits.
Watch the Trailer
The film is listed and used as educational material by the University of Nottingham and is frequently sourced by academic researchers. It is also catalogued by the Black Miners Museum, the archive of Black British coal mining heritage. 2026 marks the film’s 40th anniversary.
Where to Watch
- Concord Media — DVD, USB and video on demand (48-hour rental or purchase)
Screenings, Licensing and Education
“Skin and Coal” is available for public screenings, broadcast and educational licensing, and for use in research and teaching.
Request a screening or licence Educational and research use Press enquiries
Press kit (PDF) Study guide for schools and universities (PDF)
