In the rugged hills of Kentucky, miners in the 1970s battle against oppression by the Eastover Mining Company, a subsidiary of Duke Power. The documentary Harlan County, U.S.A. exposes the life-threatening working conditions in which miners not only struggle against the threat of black lung disease but also against a management that refuses to acknowledge their rights. Their request to join the union is denied, leading to months of intense strike action characterized by demonstrations, violent confrontations, and arrests.
With a camera as courageous as the miners themselves, Barbara Kopple captures the raw emotions and unwavering determination of a community fighting for its survival. Through the lens of the struggle for labor rights, the film explores the deeper layers of American identity, justice, and the power of collective action. Harlan County, U.S.A., awarded an Oscar for Best Documentary, is a tale of courage, solidarity, and the unbreakable bond between land and people, resonant with themes of folklore.
This film is part of our special FOLK VOLUME, that is showing in De Uitkijk in April and May.