Los Trabajadores/ The Workers

The American paradox of immigrant labor
by
Year Released
2001
Film Length(s)
48 mins

Introduction

Through the stories of Ramon and Juan, and through the controversy surrounding the relocation of a day labor site from downtown to a residential neighborhood, Los Trabajadores/The Workers examines the misperceptions and contradictions inherent in America's paradoxical history of both dependence on and abuse of immigrant labor.

Featured review

Everyone should see this film, the human underside of our relentless growth. Filmmakers should see it as a testament to letting the story come to you.
Michael King
The Austin Chronicle

Synopsis

"We build the buildings, we do the hardest jobs, and still they don't want us." These are the words of Juan Ignacio, a Nicaraguan immigrant profiled in the documentary Los Trabajadores/The Workers, winner of the International Documentary Association's David L. Wolper Student Achievement Award. Through the stories of two men, Ramon and Juan, and through the controversy surrounding the relocation of a day labor site from downtown to a residential neighborhood, Los Trabajadores/The Workers examines the misperceptions and contradictions inherent in America's paradoxical history of both dependence on and abuse of immigrant labor. While socio-political and economic issues provide the much-needed context, the film's spine and focus are Ramon and Juan, as well as the day labor site where they wait for work, as we follow a year in all three lives. Through the story of the day labor site moving into a residential neighborhood, we learn about some of the obstacles faced by immigrants, including the misperceptions that can lead to discrimination. Through Ramon and Juan, the complexities of immigration and labor issues are given a rarely seen human quality. "I came here illegally and this is against the law of the United States," says Ramon, a Mexican father of two, "but it is not against my law, nor is it against the law of my family. Even if they're American, they can't tell me I can't work to support my family." Ramon, his family, Juan, and other immigrants help to humanize an issue that has been terribly dehumanized in the mainstream media. Writes Michael King of the Austin Chronicle. "Everyone should see this film, the human underside of our relentless growth. Every filmmaker should see it as a testament to letting the story come to you." In addition to screening internationally at festivals, Heather Courtney has organized over 40 grassroots screenings of Los Trabajadores/The Workers, in conjunction with immigrant rights groups and neighborhood associations all over Texas, at community centers, churches, schools, and libraries. In Spanish and English with English subtitles.

Reviews

Poignant and moving
Austin American Statesman
Austin American Statesman

Awards and Screenings

International Documentary Association David L. Wolper Award
National PBS Broadcast, Independent Lens
Audience Award, SXSW Film Festival
Humanities Award, Great Plains Film Festival
Best of Show, Cinematexas International Film Festival
First Place, Documentary, Next Frame Touring Festival of International Student Film and Video

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Subtitles

Film/Audio Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English

Promotional Material

Promotional Stills

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