PN 17: Barbara Kopple - From Harlan County to Sharon Jones

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Two-time Oscar winner Barbara Kopple is back with a new film about soul singer Sharon Jones in a year when she battles cancer and prepares for her comeback with The Dap Kings. In this wide-ranging interview with Thom Powers, she talks about her apprenticeship with the Maysles brothers; “Harlan County USA” on striking coal miners; “Wild Man Blues" about Woody Allen; “Shut Up and Sing” about the Dixie Chicks; and her latest “Miss Sharon Jones!” playing in theaters this summer.

On Twitter: @barbarakopple @TheSharonMovie @sharonjones @thompowers @purenonfiction

Miss Sharon Jones!

Kopple’s production company Cabin Creek

Pure NonfictionThis interview was recorded at the SVA MFA Social Documentary program.

Episode 17 marks the end of Pure Nonfiction’s Season One. We’ll be back in September with Season Two starting at the Toronto International Film Festival. Until then, enjoy our back catalogue of shows.

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PN 16: Alex Gibney on Revealing Secrets