A CALL TO ACTION and EL CONTRATO

Two films and Ottawa anti-poverty activists to lead discussions…

A CALL TO ACTION

When you've spoken out against injustice, and the government has turned a deaf ear, what do you do next? This is the dilemma faced by Gaétan Héroux. The Toronto activist leads us through the Dundas/Sherbourne area, one of Toronto 's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. We discover a darker side to Canada 's " Queen City " as Héroux exposes the attacks and repression endured by the poor and homeless, whose ranks have been constantly growing since 1998. Eight years ago, Héroux joined the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP). Since then, he has loudly denounced the cuts in services and the lack of affordable housing for the people in his neighbourhood. Frustrated by politicians' inertia, he explains why he and his fellow OCAP activists have moved from words to direct action. Noisy demonstrations and squats are the coalition's new modus operandi. From now on, OCAP plans to make waves. One of the best examples of OCAP's new battle plan is its shutdown of a press conference held by federal MP Dennis Mills. OCAP demanded that Mills resign for having reneged on his promise to convert an empty building into social housing.

A Call to Action communicates the passion of a man committed to fighting the social and economic injustice suffered by some of Toronto's poorest citizens and highlights OCAP's new tactics for bringing about change.

Canada / 2004 / 12min / French with English subtitles
Directed by Carl Thériault , Written by Carl Thériault, Translated by Paul Savoie,
Produced by Mia Desroches.

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EL CONTRATO

El Contrato follows Teodoro Bello Martinez, a poverty-stricken father of four living in Central Mexico, and several of his countrymen as they make an annual migration to southern Ontario. For eight months of the year the town's population absorbs 4000 migrant labourers who pick tomatoes for conditions and wages no local will accept. Under a well-meaning government program that allows growers to monitor themselves, the opportunity to exploit workers is as ripe as the fruit they pick. Grievances are deflected by a long line of others "back home" who are willing to take their place.

Despite a fear of repercussions, the workers voice their desire for dignity and respect, as much as for better working conditions. El Contrato ends as winter closes in and the Mexicans pledge, not for the first time and possibly not the last, that it's their final season in the north.

Canada / 2003 / 51 min / English and Spanish with English subtitles
Directed by Min Sook Lee
Written by Min Sook Lee
Produced by Karen King-Chigbo.

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