McNabb/Connolly
2015
Director: Shelley Saywell
Music is an expression of the spirit for everyone. But for some who survive on the periphery of society, it can also be a life-saving coping mechanism and the last stand of their dignity. Emmy-winning Director Shelley Saywell’s moving and inspiring documentary was created with singer/activist Lorraine Segato. It captures the music and stories of five musicians who are homeless or on society’s margin. The causes, from abuse to mental health to simple bad luck, are all touched on in their stories in the film. But at its heart, Lowdown Tracks is about bringing into focus the heartache and the beautiful potential we should see when we walk by someone on the street. In the end, it is a celebration of the power of music and survival. Second Place Audience Favourite Film at Hot Docs 2015
9 minute break
10:35 am The Hand That Feeds 84 min
McNabb/Connolly
2014
Filmmaker: Robin Blotnick
At a popular bakery café, residents of New York's Upper East Side get bagels and coffee served with a smile 24 hours a day. Behind the scenes, undocumented immigrant workers face sub-legal wages, dangerous machinery and abusive managers who will fire them for calling in sick. Risking deportation and job loss, the workers team up with innovative young organizers and form their own independent union, launching themselves on a journey that will test the limits of their resolve. In one roller-coaster year, they must overcome a shocking betrayal and a two-month lockout. Lawyers battle in back rooms and workers walk the picket line with support from the “Occupy” crowd. If they can win a contract, it will set a historic precedent. But whatever happens, these workers will never be the same. Audience Award, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival; Audience Award, DOC NYC; Best of Fest, AFI Docs