Sundance-Supported Films Illuminate the Ongoing Fight for Workers’ Rights
Table of Contents
A century after a shocking act of corporate-backed repression, a new wave of documentaries supported by the Sundance Institute are bringing stories of workers’ rights struggles to the forefront. These films, including Robert Greene’s critically acclaimed bisbee ’17, offer a powerful look at historical and contemporary battles for fair labor practices, unionization, and economic justice.
The Bisbee Deportation of 1917: A Haunting Reenactment
On July 12, 1917, in Bisbee, Arizona, approximately 2,000 striking copper miners were forcibly removed from their homes by a posse authorized by the county sheriff and the Phelps Dodge mining corporation. The miners, who had refused to renounce their union affiliations, were rounded up and over 1,200 were deported in cattle cars to New Mexico. They were abandoned without provisions and reportedly threatened with violence should they attempt to return to Bisbee.
Bisbee ’17, which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and received support from the Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program and Producers Program, documents a reenactment of this event staged by the townspeople of Bisbee a century later. Director Robert greene’s film explores the reenactment itself, and also the diverse and frequently enough conflicting perspectives of those involved, offering a chilling reflection on enduring divisions within the United States regarding immigration, labor rights, and corporate power.
As noted by JustWatch, Bisbee ’17 is available for viewing on various streaming platforms.
Beyond Bisbee: A Broader Look at Workers’ Rights Documentaries
Bisbee ’17 is just one example of the Sundance Institute’s commitment to supporting documentary filmmaking that tackles critical social issues. The Institute has consistently championed films that give voice to marginalized communities and shed light on the challenges faced by workers around the world.
These films serve as vital historical records and catalysts for ongoing dialog about the importance of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring a more equitable future.
I hope you found this article insightful! If you’re passionate about social justice and documentary filmmaking, please share this piece with your network. I’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below – what documentaries about workers’ rights have resonated with you? And if you enjoy content like this,consider subscribing to World-Today-News.com for more in-depth reporting and analysis.
