93m; U.S.
Director: Jim Brown
Synopsis: This engaging documentary traces the life of folk icon Pete Seeger, emphasizing his lifelong belief in the power of music as both a social and a political force. Director Brown utilizes contemporary footage of Seeger and his wife,Toshi, along with newly remastered recordings of Seeger¹s songs, and interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and others. – Rochester Labor Film Series
95m; U.S.
Director: Joseph Daccurso
Contact: Jerry Palmer, Bob Zaugh and Irene Wolt
Synopsis (IMDB): “Dissent is not disloyalty, but rather an expression of First Amendment rights, and art can be both commercial and a weapon. What Woodstock was a film generation, Peace Press was to graphic arts. The times have changed but not the causes for which PatriotS Act.”
27m; U.S.
Director: Larry Duncan
Synopsis: Illuminates the struggle for justice by workers today and the role of organized labor and many trade unionists in supporting this historic mobilization in the place where May Day started.
Contact: http://www.laborbeat.org
52m; U.S.
Director: Renée Bergan and Mark Schuller
Cast: Marie-Jeanne Solange Frisline Thérèse Hélène
Synopsis: The compelling lives of five courageous Haitian women workers give the global economy a human face. Each woman’s personal story explains neoliberal globalization, how it is gendered, and how it impacts Haiti: inhumane working/living conditions, violence, poverty, lack of education, and poor health care. While the film offers in-depth understanding of Haiti, its focus on women’s subjugation, worker exploitation, poverty, and resistance demonstrates these are global struggles. Finally, through their collective activism, these women demonstrate that despite monumental obstacles in a poor country like Haiti, collective action makes change possible.
Contact: TÈT ANSANM PRODUCTIONS 139 Clinton Ave. #4, Brooklyn, NY 11205 347-599-1116 (phone/fax) info@potomitan.net
38m; U.S.
Director: Joris Ivens
Cast: William Adams and Stephen Vincent Benet
Synopsis: A documentary showing the struggle to bring electricity to rural areas of the United States.
30m; U.S.
Director: John Hanson & Rob Nilsson
Synopsis: History of the populist, agrarian Nonpartisan League in North Dakota, 1915-1921. Includes film segments made during that time, plus numerous stills.
58m; Czechoslovakia
Director: Groupe Dziga Vertov and others
Synopsis: Pravda was filmed clandestinely in Czechoslovakia on 16mm. It’s one of those films Godard made with the Groupe Dziga Vertov – a Marxist film about the political situation after the ’68 revolution.
74m (2013 version)
Director: Amie Williams
Follows the day-to-day unfolding of the public outcry against Governor Walker’s bill, and lets ordinary people on the ground tell the story. The film does not rely on pundits, experts, labor leaders and media, but instead presents the Wisconsin story through the powerful voice of ordinary citizens. This film transcends single-issue politics, and is a powerful argument for staying in the fight. An inspiring testament to the power of citizen activism and our movement. In addition, the latest version (March 2012) includes an updated ending to the film, with footage from the successes Nov. 6 2012 for Senator Tammy Baldwin and President Barack Obama in Wisconsin.
Synopsis (Hot Docs): “When Republican Governor Scott Walker tries to introduce a budget repair bill in early 2011 that threatens to eliminate worker rights and prevent public debate, an unlikely group of six local citizens is compelled to stand against it. A police officer, a nurse, a high school teacher, a union electrician, a county social worker and a student leader become the driving force behind a take-over of the Capitol building. In less than a month, the local population unites in a way they had never done before. We Are Wisconsin puts a different face to the stereotypes of activism as the protestors we encounter are from all walks of life, united by a common goal of fighting a hyper-conservative wave sweeping the Midwest. These six characters reveal the motives that inspire ordinary citizens to act, showing us how social movements begin and unfold.”
Website: http://wearewisconsinthefilm.com/
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