106m
Director: Alain Corneau
Cast: Ludivine Sagnier, Kristin Scott Thomas and Patrick Mille
Synopsis (IMDB): Ruthless executive Christine brings on Isabelle as her assistant, and she takes delight in toying with the young woman’s innocence. But when the protégé’s ideas become tempting enough for Christine to pass on as her own, she underestimates Isabelle’s ambition and cunning — and the ground is set for all out war.
155m;
Director: Jennifer Dworkin
Cast: Diane Hazzard, Donyaeh Hazzard and Love Hazzard
Synopsis (IMDB): Documentary on a recovering crack addict and her troubled daughter as they navigate the obstacles of joblessness, parenthood, welfare, and public housing.
88m; Czechoslavkia
Director: Milos Forman
Cast: Hana Brejchová, Vladimír Pucholt and Vladimír Mensík
Synopsis: Young Czech woman escapes from regimented life in a state dormitory and factory labor to run off to the big city seeking romance.
160m; Cuba
Director: Humberto Solas
Cast: Raquel Revuelta, Eslinda Núñez and Adela Legrá
Synopsis: Traces episodes in the lives of three Cuban working women, each named Lucía, from three different historical periods: the Cuban war of independence (with Spain), the 1930’s, and the 1960’s.
28m; U.S.
Director: John W. McKelvey
Cast: Tiffany Anne Carrin, John W. McKelvey and Elise Falanga
Synopsis: A working mother is faced with the unexpected arrival of an invasive documentary film crew and the prospect of losing her job as a cashier at a major supermarket, when a group of managers from out of town drop by for an “informal inspection.”
64m;
Director: Abner Benaim
Synopsis: A revealing look into the lives of wealthy Panamanians and those they employ, this visually creative documentary explores the class divide in Latin America from both sides. Disheartened maids tell harsh stories of devilish children, ridiculously long hours and unfounded accusations of theft. Snobbish bosses complain about incorrect formal table settings, maids taking maternity leave and even the use of black magic. However, both sides attest that genuine affection can grow after working closely for so many years. Official Selection, 2011 HotDocs Film Festival.
25m; U.S.
Director: Gina Martino Dahlia
Synopsis: The film focuses on the widows left behind from the December 6, 1907 Monongah mine disaster, still dubbed the worst disaster in American history.
Contact: WVU School of Journalism – gmartino@mix.wvu.edu , 304-293-3505 ext. 5407
104m; U.S.
Director: Callie Khouri
Cast: Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes
Synopsis: Three female employees of the Federal Reserve plot to steal money that is about to be destroyed.
113m; U.K.
Director: Nigel Cole
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins and Andrea Riseborough
Synopsis: A dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.
70m; U.S.
Director: Almudena Carracedo
http://www.madeinla.com/
Synopsis (IMDB): Made in L.A. follows the remarkable story of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles garment sweatshops as they embark on a three-year odyssey to win basic labor protections from a mega-trendy clothing retailer. In intimate verité style, Made in L.A. reveals the impact of the struggle on each woman’s life as they are gradually transformed by the experience. Compelling, humorous, deeply human, Made in L.A. is a story about immigration, the power of unity, and the courage it takes to find your voice.
THE LABOR FILM DATABASE 