Paulo Barzman's family was marked by the tumultuous events of the McCarthy Era, as his parents, renowned screenwriters Ben Barzman and Norma Barzman, found themselves the target of blacklisting. As a result, Paulo's early life was spent in France, where his family took refuge in exile, far from the tumultuous political climate that had driven them from their homeland.
The years of exile were a trying time for the Barzman family, as they struggled to rebuild their lives in a foreign land. Despite the challenges they faced, Paulo's parents remained committed to their craft, continuing to write and produce films, albeit under pseudonyms to avoid detection.
In the early 1970s, the Barzman family's fortunes began to change, as the political climate in the United States gradually shifted. With the threat of blacklisting diminishing, the family was finally able to return to their native land, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of the film industry.
Paulo Barzman's family story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to the power of art and creativity to transcend even the most trying of circumstances. His parents' experiences, chronicled in Norma's autobiography "The Red and the Blacklist" (2004),serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dared to challenge the status quo during a time of great turmoil.
