Worker Films

We prepared a pleasant corner four our dear workers who are symbols of solidarity, goodness and diligence by working day and night with great effort. Would you like to take a look at these unforgettable worker and laborer films?

The Grapes of Wrath
Adapted from John Steinbeck's 1939 novel, the Grapes of Wrath is about the Joad family who hail from the increasingly impoverished Oklahoma in the America of the 1930’s. The economic crisis in the Dust Bowl region resulting from drought and unemployment has forced them to flee from the region.

For them and for many people, the solution is California. It is as if California is a port where seasonal workers take refuge…

John Ford’s film adaptation was considered one of the best literary adaptations and went on to be included in the US National Film Registry’s list of films to be preserved.

Modern Times
Modern Times is a Charlie Chaplin classic which skillfully displays both humor and criticism in the screen when dealing with the class struggle during the Great Depression. Besides the economic crisis, all social and communal problems are dealt with emphatically.

The film beautifully gives us the message that beyond all the negativity, there will always be hope where there is struggle, resistance and solidarity.

Harlan County, USA
Director Barbara Kopple’s documentary Harlan County is a quality production which won an Oscar award. The documentary film is about the strike of mine workers in Kentucky in 1973. The fact that both the director and the film crew stand by the workers and support them gives a remarkable image.

The strike reveals all that has happened. You must watch the documentary crowned with country music.

Germinal
Adapted from Emile Zola's novel of the same name to the big screen, the Germinal, set in the 18th century, is a splendid work that focuses on the lives of the miners of the period. The film depicts the life of Etienne Lantier, who makes a living from mineral deposits and whose only worry is to get a job by settling in a French town.

In the film, which reflects the difficult working conditions of mine workers, Etienne plans a major strike by undertaking the establishment of a new miners' union. The film then continues as the workers come together and start a great rebellion.

Railroad (Demiryol)
The film is about the strike of workers in a railway construction and starts with the kidnapping of a food truck belonging to a supermarket by the worker Hasan, his brother Bülent, and their friends. The situations faced by the workers during the strike are set forth.

Two of the labor leaders have love affairs with two sisters as the strike continues. With clashes between the workers and police, fire, strikebreaking, and arrests; it’s a work of art where your excitement will reach fever pitch…