Our present is your future

Fantastic series of short documentaries from Reel News about the crisis in Greece and the working class response. Featuring interviews with participants it paints a picture of the whole movement of community assemblies, workplace occupations, self-organisation and solidarity going on in Greece.

Submitted by Ed on August 1, 2012

First Cut Preview: Community Organising from Libcom Dot Org on Vimeo.

From the teargas clouds of Syntagma Square emerged a new approach to the crisis. Community kitchens, clothing exchanges and other acts of practical solidarity. It’s not charity, it’s practical solidarity. “We’re not giving to the poor, we are the poor. Any one of us could be homeless next.”

That's Our Power -- Rank and File Organising from Libcom Dot Org on Vimeo.

The growth of rank and file committees, featuring the three longest all out strikes ever in Greece (steel factory, national newspaper & TV station), plus hospital occupations.

CRISIS - Don't Believe the Lies! from Libcom Dot Org on Vimeo.

Reel News try to explain the Greek crisis, how it relates to the rest of Europe and who is actually being bailed out. Features clips from the documentary Debtocracy, and an interview with the film maker, as well as the financial editor of one of Greeks biggest newspapers, which has been on strike for months.

It's still like being in a war zone -- Immigrants in Greece from Libcom Dot Org on Vimeo.

Refugees trying to reach safety in Europe get stuck in Greece: Once in Europe, they have to remain in the country they first arrived in. They speak about lack of basic support like housing, clothing and food and daily racist abuse. Not only by fascists like Golden Dawn, but also Greek people – and the police.

Our Present is Your Future: How to destroy public health services from Libcom Dot Org on Vimeo.

Out of 131 hospitals, as many as 50 will be closed. Patients already have to pay at the door when going to see a doctor. Procedures will have to be paid up front, and if you don’t have the money you will be sent home. “People will die.” “The cruelty is unbelieveable.” “This is a nightmare.”

It's not me anymore it's us now -- The Street Fighters from AlAnyA from Libcom Dot Org on Vimeo.

The Solidarity, Disobedience and Resistance movement take a practical approach to the problems people are facing. They close down motorway tolls, block ticket machines for public transport and reconnect electricity where it has been cut as punishment for not paying taxes.

Potato Movement from Libcom Dot Org on Vimeo.

While farmers don’t get a whole lot for their potatoes, in the shops they are rather expensive. In response, sales have plummeted. When farmers couldn’t sell their produce, and decided to give it away rather than have it go to waste, it was the start of the potato movement: Farmers and consumers are in direct contact on the internet and bypass traditional allocation structures, increasing the profit for farmers and lowering the prices for consumers.

Comments

Melancholy of …

12 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Melancholy of … on August 1, 2012

These are excellent, thanks very much for posting.

klas batalo

12 years 5 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by klas batalo on August 1, 2012

Yes agreed. I had only seen the first one, didn't really see others. It really gives a good inside look into various social movement organizing in Greece! Thanks!

Mark.

12 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on August 27, 2012

Coming soon – Into the Fire

Reel News

After making Our Present is Your Future, we went to Greece a second time to speak to immigrants and refugees about their life in Greece. Many of those we spoke to were homeless, and often didn’t know where their next meal would come from. Trying to reach safety in Europe, they get trapped in Greece, in the midst of the economic crisis. They are left to fend for themselves. And people are scared. The streets in Greece aren’t safe – for those with the wrong skin colour. A 16 year old Somali was attacked an beaten by a group of men, after they shouted at him: “Hey black! You come to Greece? You will know Greece today!”

In preparation for this film we set up a website, with links to different organisations who work to support immigrants and refugees. Check it out here!