Laborfest: Film: The Hand That Feeds

The Hand That Feeds (88 min.) (2014) Directed by: Rachel Lears & Robin Blotnick
At a popular bakery café, residents of New York’s Upper East Side get bagels and coffee served with a smile 24 hours a day. But behind the scenes, undocumented immigrant workers face sub-legal wages, dangerous machinery, and abusive managers who will fire them for calling in sick. Mild-mannered sandwich maker Mahoma López has never been interested in politics, but in January 2012, he convinces a small group of his co-workers to fight back.

Risking deportation and the loss of their livelihood, the workers team up with a diverse crew of innovative young organizers and take the unusual step of forming their own independent union, launching themselves on a journey that will test the limits of their resolve. Discussion to follow. Sponsored by Global Studies Program. Contact info: jberezin [at] peralta.edu
AWARDS
Won: Best Documentary at Birmingham Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival 2014
Nominated: Grey Gund Memorial Standing Up Award 2015
Won: Audience Award at Full Frame Documentary Film Festival 2014
Won: Audience Award at DOC NYC 2014
Nominated: Metropolis Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC 2014

See also
http://www.laborfest.net/2016/2016schedule.htm