The State of the Union: The American Newsreel Collective

Variously inventive, considered, even satirical, the films of the Newsreel Collective, which look at the lives and struggles of working people, retain an incredible urgency.

  • Total running time 75min

Earth Belongs to the People

USA 1971. 17min. 16mm

Report from Newark

USA 1968. 7min. 16mm

The Haight ’68

USA 1968. 6min. 16mm

El Pueblo Se Levanta

USA 1971. 42min. 16mm

Formed in response to the repressive state of American politics and social relations, the Newsreel Collective made dynamic use of the opportunities afforded by mobile 16mm cameras to circumvent received narratives and report from the frontline on intersectional struggles. Acutely focused on the matters at hand, the dynamically-edited films pack a serious punch. Earth Belongs to the People highlights the heavily extractive policies that perpetuate global inequality. Defending their culture against police repression, the San Francisco Haight community overhauls its peace and love reputation in The Haight ’68. Faced with racial discrimination, inadequate community services and poor health provision, NYC Puerto Rican communities commit to direct action in El Pueblo Se Levanta. Also included is the riveting Report from Newark.

William Fowler

Contains scenes of violence.

Third World Newsreel