Granito de Arena

For over 20 years, global economic forces have been dismantling public education in Mexico, but always in the constant shadow of popular resistance... Granito de Arena is the story of that resistance the story of hundreds of thousands of public schoolteachers whose grassroots, non-violent movement took Mexico by surprise, and who have endured brutal repression in their 25-year struggle for social and economic justice in Mexico's public schools. Award-winning Seattle filmmaker, Jill Freidberg (This is What Democracy Looks Like, 2000), spent two years in southern Mexico documenting the efforts of over 100,000 teachers, parents, and students fighting to defend the countrys public education system from the devastating impacts of economic globalization. Freidberg combines footage of strikes and direct actions with 25 years worth of never-before-seen archival images to deliver a compelling and unsettling story of resistance, repression, commitment, and solidarity. A sixty-minute documentary, Granito de Arena places the Mexican teachers struggle in a global context, clearly spelling out the relationship between economic globalization and the worldwide public education crisis. Featuring a driving soundtrack by DJ Food, Slowrider, PlanB, and Los Mocosos, Granito de Arena fuels indignation, inspires action, and raises important questions about democracy, sovereignty, and the universal right to public education. People interested in viewing the film are encouraged to purchase the video at http://www.corrugate.org/granito_de_arena/granito_de_arena. For public screenings, university use, and other institutional use, it is illegal to use the version available here. Please visit the Corrugated Films website to purchase the film at the institutional rate. Corrugated Films