Harlan County, USA (1976)

Harlan County, USA (1976) follows the journey of Barbara Kopple as she embarked on her debut documentary project in 1973, unaware of the intense experiences that lay ahead. Kopple and her team spent a year and a half in Brookside, Kentucky, immersing themselves in the lives of coal miners who were on strike against the Eastover Mining Company. The company had refused to approve a contract with the United Mine Workers (UMW), leading to a protracted and often violent conflict. The filmmakers lived with the miners, participated in picket lines, and even faced gunfire as tensions escalated. The documentary captures the grim working conditions and the unyielding spirit of a community determined to stand firm despite economic struggles. It chronicles the miners' enduring battle for recognition and respect. The film's narrative is driven by its authentic characters and escalating tension, making it a compelling watch that rivals any fictional drama. Memorable figures include Lois Scott, who rallied the miners' wives, Basil Collins, the aggressive mine foreman, and Florence Reese, whose powerful rendition of "Which Side Are You On?" serves as a poignant backdrop to Hazel Dickens's authentic Appalachian music.