Barbara Kopple, the acclaimed filmmaker behind "Harlan County, USA" and "American Dream," is once again turning her lens to the struggles of the working class. Her new documentary, currently in production, delves into the complex world of labor organizing in modern-day New York City. The film explores the challenges faced by delivery workers, both unionized and non-unionized, as they strive for better wages and improved working conditions. Kopple's deep dive reveals the often-harsh realities of these demanding jobs and the persistent fight for worker rights amidst a shifting economic and political landscape, emphasizing the crucial need for continued advocacy.
Barbara Kopple's Latest Documentary Chronicles New York City's Evolving Labor Landscape
In early 2026, acclaimed documentarian Barbara Kopple, known for her powerful explorations of labor movements, initiated filming for her latest project. This new work, spanning multiple years of meticulous observation and capturing the gritty realities of contemporary labor, is centered on the dynamic and often fraught landscape of worker organizing within the bustling metropolis of New York City. Kopple, whose previous films like "Harlan County, USA" (1976) and "American Dream" (1990) garnered Academy Awards for their unflinching portrayals of striking workers, has once again immersed herself in the lives of those fighting for fair treatment.
The film intricately weaves together three distinct yet interconnected narratives, focusing primarily on the city's burgeoning delivery sector. Since 2023, Kopple has diligently documented the experiences of delivery personnel working for industry giants such as Amazon and UPS, as well as those employed by various food-delivery applications. Her subjects include both unionized workers, like the Teamsters-represented UPS drivers and part-time loaders who are also actively organizing Amazon employees, and the often more vulnerable "deliveristas" who navigate the gig economy without formal union protection.
During a candid discussion preceding her reception of the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival’s Lens of Power Tribute award on April 9th, Kopple articulated her motivation: "These are three stories that are New York. It’s not Kentucky, it’s not Minnesota, it’s New York." She expressed a keen desire to understand the current state of unionism and the evolving nature of worker solidarity in a vastly different geographical and economic context compared to her earlier works.
Kopple's observations have been particularly striking. Despite her extensive experience covering arduous workplaces, she has been deeply disturbed by the accounts of the delivery workers. She highlighted the inherently dangerous and physically demanding nature of warehouse work, where falling packages pose constant threats. At Amazon, she noted a pervasive culture encapsulated by the grim choice: "get fired [or] get hurt, keep going." Similarly, UPS workers face relentless pressure to increase speed, often leading to injuries or forcing difficult decisions between their employment and urgent family medical needs. As Kopple recounted, when workers request time for hospital visits, they are frequently met with the stark ultimatum: "Well, it’s either your job or your family. Make the decision.”
A notable legislative victory for workers occurred in late 2025 when the New York City Council passed a significant measure. This new law mandates that app-based companies, including DoorDash and Uber Eats, must provide food delivery workers with a clear justification for deactivation (i.e., being fired) and an opportunity to appeal the decision. Kopple emphasized the importance of this regulation, explaining that previously, app companies could dismiss workers arbitrarily, leaving them with no recourse beyond navigating automated phone systems.
Maintaining her signature cinema verité approach, Kopple has dedicated herself to embedding with union organizers and workers directly on the ground, minimizing staged interviews. However, she has found the process of embedding in early 2020s New York to be more challenging than her experiences in 1970s Kentucky or 1980s Minnesota. She observed that in a high-cost-of-living environment like New York, workers often harbor greater fears for their jobs, making them less forthcoming. "You just really have to be there and struggle to really understand," Kopple reflected. "You would never want to be a person responsible for getting somebody to lose their job."
The film's production and editing are unfolding against a complex political backdrop. The administration of President Donald Trump adopted a considerably more confrontational stance towards labor unions compared to his predecessor, President Joe Biden. Furthermore, the Trump administration significantly impacted arts funding, a crucial lifeline for documentary filmmakers. In 2025, numerous grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, once vital sources of support, were canceled. These actions, Kopple noted, have instilled fear even among independent foundations that historically funded documentaries, leading to a climate where many are hesitant to speak out.
Despite these funding challenges, Kopple has managed to finance her current project through the support of individuals who believe in her work. She acknowledged that securing creative funding is not a new hurdle; for her film "American Dream," she notably raised funds by soliciting donations from Catholic groups, aligning her project with their pastoral letter addressing economic crises and wage concessions.
Looking ahead, distribution presents another significant obstacle. Kopple cited the example of the 2024 documentary "Union," which chronicled the Staten Island Amazon warehouse union drive. Despite receiving critical acclaim, "Union" struggled to find a distributor and ultimately resorted to self-distribution. The filmmakers were explicitly informed by some distributors that their existing relationships with Amazon Studios precluded them from distributing a film critical of the company. Kopple remains resolute, stating, "I’m going to do whatever I have to do for distribution.”
Despite the myriad challenges, Kopple expressed profound satisfaction in returning to the subject of worker organizing. She firmly believes in the importance of telling these stories, particularly in what she describes as an "anti-union time." For Kopple, "remaining silent is worse." She concluded with a powerful call to action: "You just have to be out there making films, singing songs, writing pieces that penetrate people’s hearts and souls and continue on."
This documentary promises to be another compelling addition to Barbara Kopple's distinguished career, offering a vital and timely examination of labor's ongoing struggle for dignity and justice in the modern era. Her steadfast commitment to giving voice to the unheard continues to inspire, reminding us of the enduring power of documentary filmmaking to illuminate critical social issues and spark meaningful dialogue.