Documentaries about Work

Documentary filmmaker David Kraus is making a series of documentaries about work.  He says his films capture “the sights, sounds, and textures of different American jobs, without the accompaniment of interviews or a musical score. Each chapter reveals the surprising, engaging, even redemptive routines of hard-working men and women across the country.  Although each film is humble in its approach, seen as a whole the WORK series is epic in scope, creating a significant historical document of modern American life.”  Films so far are “Preacher,” “Sheriff,” “Musician,” and “Professor,” and Kraus invites anyone to suggest future subjects.

There are a number of classic documentaries about work including Salesman by the Maysles brothers, Harlan County, U.S.A. by Barbara Kopple, and Frederick Wiseman’s series, including “Store,” “Model,” “Hospital,” and “Meat.”