Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls: Another Side of Woody Guthrie
USA 2026 | Director: Steven Pressman | English | 89 minutes
Documentary
What does Woody Guthrie, the legendary American folk singer and songwriter, have in common with blintzes, knishes and Hanukkah songs? While many know him as the quintessential Dust Bowl balladeer from Oklahoma who wrote the iconic song “This Land Is Your Land,” few are aware that Jewish culture had a hand in shaping Guthrie’s private life and career. Drawing on a wealth of archival footage and audio recordings, alongside invaluable insight from collaborators, contemporaries, and family – including children Arlo and Nora Guthrie – director Steven Pressman (50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus; The Levys of Monticello; Moses Ezekiel: Portrait of a Lost Artist) explores the unexpected connection between Guthrie and Jewish culture, highlighting Guthrie’s moving relationship with his mother-in-law, prominent Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt, and the impact she had on his life and songwriting.
Proudly sponsored by
THE ARLEINz”l and DOVz”l CHETNER FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
The family of Arleinz”l and Dovz”l Chetner
