Screening of Salt of the Earth + The Hollywood Ten

Set in New Mexico’s Empire Zinc mine, Salt of the Earth tells the story of Mexican-American workers who strike to protest hazardous working conditions and unequal pay compared to their Anglo coworkers. When a court injunction bars the men from picketing, the women boldly take their place on the front lines—challenging both the mining company and the entrenched gender norms within their own community.

Inspired by Italian neorealism and filmed on location with striking naturalistic detail, the 1954 drama cast mostly non-professional actors, including actual miners and their families. Directed by Herbert J. Biberman, written by Michael Wilson, and produced by Paul Jarrico—all blacklisted Hollywood artists due to alleged communist ties—the film itself became a political battleground during the height of McCarthyism and was subject to intense censorship and suppression.

The Hollywood Ten is a 1950 American short documentary film. Shot in 16mm, it was created quickly to raise public awareness and legal funds for the ten blacklisted screenwriters and directors who comprised the "Hollywood Ten" who faced Pr*son sentences for contempt of Congress stemming from their non-cooperation with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). 

This screening is part of Columbia Maison Française CENSURED FILM SERIES - FALL 2025.

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