Hi there,
Four years ago, I heard about the General Electric story in Peterborough and have not been able to look away since.
It’s unfortunately a very familiar story; one where a corporate powerhouse settles into a small town, generating jobs for people to support their families but simultaneously killing their loved ones with toxins. But this town is fighting back against a powerful system stacked against injured workers and we’re hoping for your support to tell their stories.
The widows and workers we’ve talked to reveal similar stories – the “snowstorms” of asbestos in the plant, the “GE smell” from the toxic soup of chemicals, the “fluff” from the washing machine, the cough that never goes away.
We want to share a private sneak peek of their fight so far at http://www.widowsofasbestos.com/.
Our 2016 crowd-funding initiative funded 80 hours of powerful footage with workers and community leaders over 18 months. Now, with an award-winning filmmaking team and the labour community’s support, we have a plan to deliver a low-cost, high-quality documentary film that can reach millions of North Americans.
Your financial support would give us the opportunity to make a truly significant film that changes perceptions around occupational health and safety, injured workers and corporate responsibility.
It’s the story of Peterborough but it’s also the story of many company towns left in the lurch and paying with their lives to feed their families.
See our overview of the documentary, a list of interviewees and press and levels of support for more details on the project. We will follow up with organizations, in case they would like to set up a meeting or phone call to review the proposed budget and any other information about the film. Please feel free to pass this email on to organizations or individuals who might be interested in contributing.
The editing process is going to take at least six months, with a release date of April 28, 2019 – The Day of Mourning next year.
Cheques can be made out to: Bread and Roses Creative Productions Inc. and sent to 11 Bowmore Road, Toronto, ON, M4L 3H6.
Any support from individuals or organizations would be incredible.
Thank you from all of us,
Natasha Luckhardt (Producer, Director)
Rob Viscardis (Cinematographer, Editor, Co-director)
Dave Desario (Associate Producer, Producer of “A Day’s Work”)
Steve Cornwell (Researcher, Editor-in-Chief of The Dialog)