Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle is a 1982 documentary film about a group of Pullman car porters who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters - claimed to be the first African American trade union. The film examines issues of work, race and dignity. The film uses a variety of sources including historical records and photos, old films, and interviews with and reminiscences of retired porters. The film is narrated by a porter's widow and former union organizer: Rosina Tucker.[1]
The film was produced by Jack Santino and Paul Wagner and won four regional Emmy Awards.[1] It has been described as "One hundred years of history is spanned in an enlightening portrait of admirable dignity." – New York Times and as "A moving account of the Pullman porters' remarkable (and largely untold) history." – Washington Post.[1]
In addition to its four regional Emmy Awards, the film has also been honoured at the Telluride Film Festival, and received the American Film Festival Blue Ribbon, and a CINE Golden Eagle.[2] The film was funded by the D.C. Community Humanities Council.[2]
See also
- The Road Taken, a 1996 documentary film about Black Canadian railway porters
References
- ^ a b c paulwagnerfilms.com Retrieved 14 September 2010
- ^ a b paulwagner films Retrieved 14 September 2010
External links
