Hello everyone,
after months of waiting for, receiving, and reviewing films from all over the world, we released the total list of films accepted into the inaugural Canadian LabourInternational Film Festival. Now we are releasing thelist of films accepted into the CLiFF Festival in a Box. Here are the films which will go out to many locations acrossCanada. Congratulations to all who were accepted.
SIX WEEKS OF SOLIDARITY
1995, Director: Victor Dobchuk, Canada, English and French subtitles, 9:21
A look at the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, 75 years later.
National Film Board short on the economic crisis
DEAR JOHN
2009. Director Mark Lammert, Canada English
Chronicles the closer of Welland, Ontario’s older and leading industrial employer; John Deere Welland Works, located in Dain City. The film looks at the current recession, the forces behind the closure, and what a community struggling to stay afloat can do. Director Mark Lammert and his crew tries to explore what Welland has in store for its future, while helping those that worked at the plant tell their story.
HOLD THE LINE
2009, Director: Min Sook Lee, Canada, English, 15:47 minutes
A restrained story-telling of the 2009 CUPE strike in Windsor, ON. Excellent shots of Windsor backed by a moody soundtrack, this film tells the story of a strike from the workers’ poin of view. The economy is being used as a tool to claw back workers’ rights. When workers go on strike, it becomes clear that it is a sign of the times. The message is “Hold the Line.”
INTERMISSION
PAINTING RED SQUARE
2009, Director Max Fraser, Canada, English, 5:00 minutes
7000 kilometres from Moscow, there’s another Red Square. Witness the struggle of the labour-left in Whitehorse, Yukon to find a friendly watering hole where they can share a glass with their comrades and debate which shade of red is best. Beer, popcorn and a little paint get spilled along the way.
Northland: Long Journey
2009, Director, Edie Steiner, Canada, English, 16:00 minutes
Taking a quick look back at the director’s father, Albert Steiner, and his life as a miner. Detailing his death, which was caused by working in the mine, and the reality of getting compensation from mining companies at that time. A touching story.
Invisible Force: Women workers in Pakistan
2007, Director: Aisha Gazdar, Pakistan, English, 28 Minutes
There are millions of women workers in Pakistan who remain unaccounted for in official figures. Even those who are in the formal workforce face problems like lower wages for the same work as men and sexual harassment. This film touches on these struggles and more.
Just another cog in the machine
2009, Director: John Wood, U.K. English, 2:45 minutes
Using wordplay & a photocopier to promote starting a union. Short, innovative and effective.
