Kopple Films NYC's Modern Labor Fight

Documentarian Barbara Kopple, acclaimed for her Oscar-winning films on labor movements, is now focusing on contemporary worker organizing in New York City. Her latest project, filmed since 2023, delves into the lives of delivery workers, including those for Amazon, UPS, and food-delivery apps, as they advocate for higher wages and improved conditions.

Kopple's cinema verité approach embeds her with workers facing hazardous warehouse environments and intense pressure to meet demanding quotas. She notes an ethos at some companies where workers are urged to "keep going" despite risks of injury or illness. Recent legislative efforts, like a late 2025 New York City Council measure, aim to provide recourse for delivery workers facing arbitrary deactivation from apps.

Filming in the early 2020s has proven more challenging than her previous work due to workers' fear of job loss in a high-cost-of-living area. Kopple is navigating a difficult funding landscape, particularly after the cancellation of arts grants, relying on individual support. Distribution also presents hurdles, with some distributors hesitant due to relationships with companies like Amazon.

Despite these obstacles, Kopple emphasizes the importance of her work, especially during what she describes as an "anti-union time." She believes that creating films, songs, and writings that resonate emotionally is crucial for continuing to advocate for workers' rights and ensuring their stories are heard.