Film: The Take

Here is a summary of the film, provided by organisers: "In the wake of Argentina's spectacular economic collapse in 2001, Latin America's most prosperous middle class finds itself in a ghost town of abandoned factories and mass unemployment. In suburban Buenos Aires, thirty unemployed auto-parts workers walk into their idle factory, roll out sleeping mats and refuse to leave. All they want is to re-start the silent machines. But this simple act - the take - has the power to turn the globalization debate on its head. Director/producer Avi Lewis (Counterspin) and writer/producer and renowned author Naomi Klein (No Logo) take viewers inside the lives of ordinary visionaries, as they reclaim their work, their dignity and their democracy."

Various benefit screenings of the film were scheduled throughout Canada in October and November 2004; the filmmakers themselves (Lewis and Klein) appeared following many of these screenings - at such venues as "fair trade" coffee shops - for continued discussion. These screenings were benefits for local (Canada-based) non-government organisations (NGOs), unions, and the like.

An email campaign was designed to encourage citizens in North America to organise and promote their own community-based Take-related events (e.g., gathering groups to see the film together and talk about it afterwards). To foster these actions, a Grassroots Toolkit for Action is offered. The Toolkit, which includes posters, flyers, grassroots reading materials (e.g., a set of discussion questions based on the film), and photos for download, is designed "to help you organize events that promote the issues raised in the film & encourage discourse & action in your community!" Organisers also indicate, "If you're an expert on worker rights, cooperatives, or economic alternatives or know of someone who is, why not organize a formal panel discussion or forum after one of the screenings in a nearby location? Pass out flyers at the theatre, encourage movie-goers to get involved & find out more information." Citizens are encouraged to sign up as volunteers (click here) to encourage others to "Occupy. Resist. Produce. See This Film."

Those interested in the issues raised in The Take, but not living in North America, may view the trailer and access other materials on The Take website. Offered here is a timeline of the movement in Argentina, as well as other facts and links that provide background for The Take. A section of the website called "The Journal" includes such entries as "Workers' Premiere in Argentina - Brukman Suit Factory", described as "An emotional account of the first screening of the film for the workers".

Rights, Economic Development, Globalisation.

As of September 2005, The Take website is in the process of being enhanced to offer descriptions of, and stimulation for, more grassroots-related activities worldwide. The filmmakers are working with Good Company Communications on this new site, and Good Company now has the DVD on sale at their webstore. It is currently only available in Canada but will be available in the United States soon. Good Company is trying to build both an opt-in grassroots network and a destination for activists to buy films on DVD and, in so doing, support the grassroots work they are undertaking - on behalf of The Take and other films.