Vio.Me: Self-Organization in Greece

The workers at the Vio.Me. Factory in Thessaloniki, Greece have quickly grown into a symbol of self-management internationally. After going on strike and occupying their factory, on February 12, 2013 they re-opened the factory and started production under worker’s control. For many, the factory represents a new potential way forward for unemployed workers in Greece – seizing the means of production, running factories without bosses, producing only goods that are needed, and distributing them through solidarity networks.

“Every extra profit we make will be given out to people who need it. Our plan is to offer help to unemployed people or others who are in great need,” says Dimitrios Koumasiouras, a worker from Vio.Me.

This film tells the story of how the worker’s re-opened the factory under self-management and looks to where the factory is headed now.

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Egyptian Winter: A New Short Documentary

Two years after the revolution in Egypt began, unrest continues across the country as the political and economic situation worsens. As the current government consolidates its power, the demands of the revolution may seem further away than ever. Still the revolution has opened up new spaces for political action, spurring public debate on issues that have gone unacknowledged and unresolved for too long.

This short documentary looks at some of the reasons motivating revolutionaries to keep taking the streets, the obstacles that they are facing, and the tactics that they are using.  It looks into the current economic and political problems facing Egyptians, the growing independent union movement, black bloc tactics, and the response of women to sexual assaults.

Greece’s Uncertain Future

By Brandon Jourdan and Marianne Maeckelbergh

This short documentary looks at the current social crisis in Greece, the growth of alternative economies, general strikes, and the rise of the anti-fascist movement in response to violent attacks by the far-right. After six years of recession, the situation in Greece is growing increasingly dark. As the unemployment rate continues to rise and salaries continue to drop, the country has descended into an increasingly unpredictable situation.

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Madrid On The Brink: S25 → S29

Produced By Brandon Jourdan, Marianne Maeckelbergh, and Carlos Delclós

This short film chronicles the events of the past week in Spain where
hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand
the resignation of the government and an end to police brutality. Many
of the protests ended in clashes with the police. Since the stand off
began on September 25th , the images of police brutality have
travelled the world over, shocking and inspiring people across Europe
and leading to an international day of action on September 29th. This
film tells the story of why so many people took to the streets and
follows these events as they unfolded.

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Occupy Wall Street: One Year Later

By Brandon Jourdan and Marianne Maeckelbergh

From Sept 15-17th Occupy Wall Street gathered in lower Manhattan to commemorate one full year of actions. The three days where broken up into a day of education, a day of celebration, and a day of liberation.

Occupy Wall Street participants used the anniversary to show that they are still active, organizing actions everyday all across the city. This is a short documentary which highlights some of Occupy Wall Street’s recent accomplishments, its broader influence, and where it is headed.

They Do Not Represent Us: Barcelona 12M-15M

By Brandon Jourdan and Marianne Maeckelbergh

From May 12-May 15th, protesters throughout Spain marked the first anniversary of the 15M movement by re-taking the streets and squares of over 80 cities. The 15M movement inspired people all over the world to occupy their local squares, to self-organize general assemblies and to build networks of solidarity in the face of severe economic policy. This short documentary documents the 15M anniversary protests in Barcelona.

The YouTube version is here:
http://youtu.be/LrZbfAr_Pk0

Barcelona March 29th: General Strike

Barcelona March 29th: General Strike from brandon jourdan on Vimeo.

By Marianne Maeckelbergh and Brandon Jourdan

On 29 March 2012, millions of people across Spain went on strike. The strike, which was the first general strike since September 2010, brought the country to a near halt. The situation in Spain has grown increasingly difficult with 1 in 4 people out of work and many struggling to make rent or mortgage payments.

The Oakland Commune

Produced by Marianne Maeckelbergh and Brandon Jourdan

On October 10th 2011, hundreds of people in downtown Oakland occupied Frank Ogawa Plaza in front of city hall. They built a self-organized tent city and began to meet some of the community’s most urgent needs. They renamed the plaza Oscar Grant Plaza in honor of a young African-American man who was shot and killed by BART Police in 2009. Although the action was partially inspired by Occupy Wall Street and austerity protests throughout the world, Occupy Oakland’s particular character resulted from years of struggle and repression in the Bay Area. This short documentary details the ongoing story of the Oakland Commune.

It was produced by Marianne Maeckelbergh and Brandon Jourdan with footage from Caitlin Manning, David Martinez, John Hamilton, and tons of archival footage.

Egypt’s Democracy: A Question of Legitimacy

Produced By Marianne Maeckelbergh and Brandon Jourdan

Although Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down in February 2011, the uprisings in Egypt show little sign of retreat. While the uniting rallying cry may have been against dictatorship, the struggle in Egypt that took headlines across the world in early 2011 reflected deeper social, political, and economic problems.

The key demands of the revolution have still not been met. The continuation of military rule and the promise of more neoliberal economic policies lead many to believe it will be a long battle. Protestors in Egypt are hopeful, however, as people all over the world revolt against an economic system that benefits the few at the expense of the many.

November 30th: UK on Strike

Produced By Marianne Maeckelbergh and Brandon Jourdan

On November 30th, 2011 millions of public sector workers across the UK went on strike against massive cuts in the pension system. The following is a short documentary about the strikes.