Unseen cinema. 4, Inverted narratives. Opening titles, sequence from Native land (1937-1941) [5-film compilation] / by Leo Hurwitz and Paul Strand for Frontier Films.

United States : Filmmakers Showcase, 1943.

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INVERTED NARRATIVES is part of the retrospective UNSEEN CINEMA that explores long-forgotten American experimental cinema. Capping a decade of political filmmaking, Hurwitz and Stand summarize the momentous growth of labor unions into a vital force. The film adroitly mixes footage from Workers' Film and Photo League newsreels with dramatic reenactments staged in front of Strand's camera, exploring the insidious workings of fascism in American life. --BRUCE POSNER. Founded and operated by Paul Strand and Leo Hurwitz, Frontier Films (1937-1942) was one of the most successful leftist filmmaking enterprises of the 1930s. Four major productions, mostly all feature-length documentaries released to critical acclaim in theaters, clubs, and union halls nationwide, addressed some daunting social and political issues of the era. --BRUCE POSNER. Organized in 1930, the Workers' Film and Photo League was an influential collaborative of artists and radicals. Their stark newsreels provided an alternative view of the Great Depression. Violent demonstrations and riots abound in the candid scenes of America in turmoil. "Native Land " incorporates a startling selection of vintage clips. --BRUCE POSNER. One of America's most famous art photographers, Paul Strand's career spanned 60 years.

Images / Online / Video & Film

English

November 02, 2020

Music: Marc Blitzstein.

Narrator, Paul Robeson ; commentary, David Wolff.

Fred Johnson, Mary George, John Rennick, Amelia Romano, Housely Stevens, Louis Grant, James Hanney, Howard DaSylva, Art Smith.