"Harlan County, USA (1975) and American Dream (1990) tell the stories of two significant strikes: a miners' strike in Harlan County, Kentucky, and a meatpackers' strike in Austin, Minnesota. The miners won their strike, while the meatpackers did not, resulting in over half the plant's workers losing their jobs."
"Kopple's films are shot in a cinema verité style, using hand-held cameras and natural lighting, which allows her to become part of the story. This approach was evident when her crew faced physical attacks from strikebreakers while filming in Harlan County."
"Since 1972, Kopple has documented the American left, covering topics from military actions to labor movements. Her films, including Johnny Cash and Tricky Dick and Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing, address the censorship of progressive artists, a theme that remains relevant today."
Janus Films is re-releasing Barbara Kopple's documentaries, Harlan County, USA and American Dream, in 17 cities for their anniversaries. Harlan County, USA depicts a miners' strike in Kentucky, while American Dream covers a meatpackers' strike in Minnesota. The miners achieved victory, but the meatpackers faced significant job losses. Kopple's work, characterized by a cinema verité style, has documented various aspects of American life since 1972, including labor movements and censorship of progressive artists. Her films remain relevant in today's political climate.
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