From the 1st to 8th of May 2009, the Social Economic Academy and Cinemateque Haifa held their second annual Workers’ Film Festival. The Festival combined films and lectures about worker struggles and status. The panels and lectures which were held each evening included speakers who are active in the field. i.e. worker organizers alongside academics, creating a successful cross between theory and current practices.
The success of the first festival held during July of last year, was a natural precursor to this year’s festival, and this year there were a number of significant enhancements; the festival was two days longer, the number of participants doubled, and an event supporting workers’ rights was held as part of the festival. The event, held on the 5th night of the festival, opened with an acoustical performance by Amir Lev and Yeheli Sobol and was followed by a performance of Noam Rotem, and concluded with the singer, Asaf Avidan and the cellist Hadas Kleinmen.
The idea behind the festival is the SEA experience; combining film and a lecture raises identity with a cause and greater involvement than just watching a movie. The festival raises awareness to the messages of SEA among new audiences and this year’s event was a chance to add a celebration to SEA’s ongoing activities.
SEA believes that the Workers’ Film Festival, which opened symbolically on the 1st of May will become a tradition and that it will become a brand name for young people symbolizing the struggle for worker rights and status. Next year, the plan is to have an international festival.