Filmmaker Talk delving into the oeuvre of Barbara Kopple, whose five-decade career encompasses a remarkably varied body of work documenting social struggles, political conflict, and the lives of people navigating crisis. Through Harlan County, USA (1976), American Dream (1990), and now Union Town (2026), Kopple is a defining chronicler of the US labour movement, from the 1970s until today, capturing the tensions of collective struggle with a deep sense of empathy and genuine commitment to her subjects. Working in the tradition of cinéma vérité, she lets the camera roll, rarely interferes, and fully immerses herself in the worlds she documents, cultivating intimacy and trust that allow people’s stories to unfold. Kopple’s curiosity seems to be endless. Across more than 40 films, her work extends far beyond political documentaries, encompassing portraits of artists, musicians, and celebrities, all approached with the same observational sensibility. 

This conversation is moderated by Eric Hynes, NYC-based film critic and Director of Curation and Film Programming at Jacob Burns Film Center.

This Filmmaker Talk accompanies a screening of Union Town (2026). Purchase tickets to the film screening here.

Photo: Andrew Walker