US: Link between supermarket, migrant farm workers

In his documentary “Food Chains,” Rawal exposes the link between large supermarkets and the exploitation of migrant farmers in Immokalee, Florida and Napa, California. Narrated by Forest Whitaker (Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”) and produced by Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”), the film follows the Coalition of Immokalee farmworkers, or CIF, as it attempts to negotiate with the large supermarket chain Publix, a Safeway-sized grocery chain common in the southeast regions of the United States.

“Food Chains” stands apart from its undeniably noble predecessors. Rawal’s film relies on the coalition’s pragmatism to sway audiences, rather than using emotionally evocative clips of forlorn workers. The farmers are not presented as suffering martyrs for their cause. Instead, they are treated as a highly organized force to be reckoned with: The CIF has the power to affect legislation, inspire change and feed millions with the literal fruits of its labor.

Ironically, the documentary’s only flaw is exacerbated by its inspirational exposition. “Food Chains” bellows this successful call to action without providing a plan to actually act. Should we buy local? Arguably, that would do little to help Immokalee workers, considering they depend heavily on out-of-state sales. Should we boycott Publix? There is no Publix in the Northwest, so that will not work either. The film triggers anger and a disdain for massive grocery chains, but it leaves viewers twiddling their thumbs while wondering: Well, what can I do?

“Food Chains” is playing at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco.

Source: dailycal.org