Leo Hurwitz

A fiercely principled documentary filmmaker fights to expose social injustice through powerful cinema, only to become a victim of political persecution during the McCarthy era.

Born

June 23, 1909

Died

1991

Also:
Producer
Writer

Credits on file

Decades active

In short · Directed for nine decades — 12 credits.

Remembered for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

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Biography

Leo Hurwitz was an American documentary filmmaker known for his politically engaged work. He directed *Native Land* (1942), a film that highlighted the struggles of American farmers during the Great Depression, and *Verdict for Tomorrow* (1961), a documentary covering the trial of Adolf Eichmann, which won a Peabody Award and was nominated for an Emmy. Hurwitz's career was significantly impacted during the McCarthy era, as he was blacklisted due to his strong left-wing political views. His work remains a significant contribution to the history of American documentary filmmaking.

Filmography · 9 of 9

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