Los Trabajadores/The Workers Web Site Launch
ITVS and PBS present the documentary Los Trabajadores/The Workers and the bilingual companion Web sites, www.pbs.org/theworkers and
www.pbs.org/lostrabajadores. Focusing on the lives of Juan and Ramón, day laborers working in Austin, Texas, the film explores the myriad contradictions that haunt America’s dependence on and discrimination against immigrant labor. Los Trabajadores/The Workers by Heather Courtney airs nationally on INDEPENDENT LENS March 25, 2003 at 10:30 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).
Untangle the difficult issue of immigrant labor at the companion Web site. Highlights include:
Day Labor Quiz
Do you know what percentage of income day laborers send back to their home countries? Test your brain with an interactive quiz containing 10 questions on day labor workers, immigration and related issues.
Day Laborers
They clean and polish, lay brick and tile, build and demolish, wire and plumb. Learn the inside story about day laborers, their integral role in today’s economy and how immigration affects the labor landscape.
The Film
Learn the story of two men, Ramón Castillo Aparacio and Juan Ignacio Gutierrez, and the controversy surrounding the relocation of a day labor site—where they wait for work each day— from downtown Austin, Texas to a residential neighborhood.
Filmmaker Q & A
First time filmmaker Heather Courtney shares her thoughts about filming grief, changing people’s minds and leaping into the unknown. Get updates on Ramón and Juan and their families and glean useful advice from the filmmaker.
Learn More
Get links to organizations, books and articles on day labor and immigration. Download a comprehensive discussion guide that examines attitudes toward immigrants, the impact of globalization and the process of labor organizing.
Audience Award
Rate this program! At the end of the 14-week season, the highest rated film will be honored with acclaim, streaming video clips and more.
Talkback
Share your thoughts on the program. Get involved in a discussion on immigration and day labor.
En Español
THE WORKERS Web site has been translated into Spanish. Lea la página electrónica de LOS TRABAJADORES en Español! www.pbs.org/lostrabajadores
Independent Lens
Hosted by Angela Bassett, this anthology series showcases powerful and innovative independent programming. INDEPENDENT LENS is broadcast on PBS stations. Check local listings at www.pbs.org/independentlens.
Contact: Jodi Epstein
ITVS 415-356-8383 x225
Jodi_Epstein@itvs.org
