“The Major” comes home: Hartsville to host free premier of Major James Lide Coker film

History will meet the present on the big screen this fall as Hartsville hosts the premiere of The Major, a short film on the life of Major James Lide Coker, on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The screening takes place at Theater One at One Church, 118 E. Carolina Avenue. Admission is free.

Billed as “a true story, revisited,” the film looks at Coker, a towering figure in our region’s history, through a contemporary lens. Its story follows a Coker College theater student who discovers the remarkable life of the Major and, in doing so, sparks a controversy in which history collides with the present.

“The Major” weaves period scenes with modern-day Hartsville, including familiar local landmarks. Promotional images show a young Civil War-era soldier, an aging Coker in a rocking chair, and college students debating beneath the trees on campus.

Organizers say the evening is designed as a full community celebration, with three highlights:

• An exclusive first look. Guests will be among the first to see the short film and will get a preview of the upcoming feature-length project.

• A chance to meet the filmmakers. Cast and crew will be on hand to share behind-the-scenes stories and discuss what’s next for the production.

• Two book launches. The event will celebrate the release of two books by author and executive producer Dr. Will Joslin.

The premiere is made possible through a partnership of local organizations, including The Hartsville Museum, the Darlington County Historical Commission, The Center Theater, and the Byerly Foundation. The event is also supported by Broken Hip Productions, I Love This Town Hartsville, and Theater One.

With free admission and an evening built around conversation as much as viewing, organizers are encouraging history buffs, film fans, students, and families to attend.

For more information, please see their website at themajorfilm.com