Virginia Film Festival to Screen New Woody Guthrie Doc

The documentary, Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls, premieres this Sunday at the 39th annual Virginia Film Festival.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Judaism

Virginia Film Festival to Screen New Woody Guthrie Doc

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Does learning about a celebrity's private life change how you enjoy their music or art?

On Sunday evening, the Virginia Film Festival will screen the documentary Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls at the Violet Crown in Charlottesville. Directed by Steven Pressman, the film examines the unexpected relationship between folk singer Woody Guthrie and his Yiddish poet mother-in-law, Aliza Greenblatt.

Why it matters

The film explores the intersection of Woody Guthrie's life with Jewish culture during his time in Manhattan in the 1940s. It aims to highlight how the personal experiences of the legendary musician were shaped by his connection to the Jewish community.

The screening of Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls marks a featured event during the 39th annual edition of the Virginia Film Festival. The event is scheduled for a start time of 8:30 p.m. at the Violet Crown venue.

The players

Steven Pressman

He is a former journalist and director who previously helmed the 2022 film The Levy's of Monticello.

Lisa Stark

A former journalist, she served as the co-producer for the documentary film.

Woody Guthrie

An iconic American folk singer and songwriter, he is noted for his deep connections to his mother-in-law's Jewish heritage.

Aliza Greenblatt

She was a Yiddish poet and the mother-in-law of Woody Guthrie.

The details

Co-produced by former journalist Lisa Stark, the documentary intersperses the story of Woody Guthrie with that of Aliza Greenblatt to showcase their cultural bond. Filmmakers will host a moderated Q&A session following the screening to discuss their research and production process.

Woody Guthrie championed displaced refugees of the Dust Bowl during the 1930s.
Guthrie integrated into Jewish culture in Manhattan during the 1940s.
Director Steven Pressman premiered The Levy's of Monticello at the festival in 2022.
The documentary screening and Q&A session are set for Sunday evening.

Culture Shift

This documentary reflects a growing interest in uncovering the intersectional histories of American folk icons and immigrant communities. It follows a pattern of local historical documentation previously established by the Virginia Film Festival.

Attendees can participate in a moderated post-screening Q&A session to engage directly with the filmmakers. Tickets for the 8:30 p.m. event at the Violet Crown should be secured in advance to ensure availability during the festival weekend.

The takeaway

The documentary provides a unique look at how personal family dynamics influenced the creative life of one of America's most famous folk singers. Local residents interested in the intersection of music and immigrant history may find the post-screening Q&A particularly insightful.