A Time to Rise
On April 6, 1980, the Canadian Farmworkers Union came into existence. This film documents the conditions among Chinese and East Indian immigrant workers in British Columbia that provoked the formation of the union, and the response of growers and labour contractors to the threat of unionization. Made over a period of two years, the film is eloquent testimony to the progress of the workers' movement from the first stirrings of militancy to the energetic canvassing of union members.
On April 6, 1980, the Canadian Farmworkers Union came into existence. This film documents the conditions among Chinese and East Indian immigrant workers in British Columbia that provoked the formation of the union, and the response of growers and labour contractors to the threat of unionization. Made over a period of two years, the film is eloquent testimony to the progress of the workers' movement from the first stirrings of militancy to the energetic canvassing of union members.
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directorAnand PatwardhanJim Monro
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producerAnand PatwardhanJim Monro
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editingAnand Patwardhan
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narratorAnand Patwardhan
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cameraMartin DuckworthKirk Tougas
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soundNettie Wild
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re-recordingJean-Pierre Joutel
Warnings: Some curse words (f-word, others), child and infant death, some violence
What was unique about the Canadian Farmworkers Union? What effects did it have? Are there current unions for agricultural workers in your province or territory? Research their history and impact. At the 18:27 mark, one farmer says: “We’re just going to mechanize the crops and to hell with them.” When examining this statement through a modern lens, has there been any truth to it? What continues to be a barrier for “mechanizing” all crops? What are some ethical issues that arise? How has the discussion about workers’ rights changed since this documentary was made? Wages? Food prices? How do racism and sexism affect how workers are treated at this time? In today’s world?
More educational content
A Time to Rise, Anand Patwardhan & Jim Monro, provided by the National Film Board of Canada