This promotional video for the Netflix documentary “American Factory” was released in 2019 alongside the film, which was produced by Higher Ground Productions, a company founded by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. This film explores a former General Motors factory in Ohio that shut down during the economic recession in 2008. In 2014, a Chinese billionaire re-opens the factory under the Chinese brand, Fuyao, and brings US and Chinese workers together. In this scene we see workers unionizing over their pay and treatment in the factory. Through the portrayal of the American workers in the factory, the film represents the struggles and aspirations of blue-collar workers in the United States. 

discussion

Why did the Obamas chose to work with filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar?

Why was it important for the filmmakers to capture the different people and perspectives among factory workers and bosses? 

How do the excerpts highlighted from the documentary set up key issues and conflicts in this factory? 

Can you think of other media or real world examples of workers fighting for their rights? What actions do they take? How are their voices heard?