Watch After The Factory

After The Factory is a 2012 documentary that tells the story of several American communities that were once centers of manufacturing but, as a result of globalization and technological advances, have experienced significant economic decline. The film takes viewers on a journey across the US, from Maine to Mississippi, to explore the human cost of industrial decline and to understand how these communities are coping with the loss of their economic and cultural identity.

At the heart of the film are the personal stories of individuals who have been affected by the transformation of the US economy. We meet a steelworker in Ohio who lost his job after 30 years of service, a family in Maine who are struggling to make ends meet after the closure of the local mill, and a former auto worker in Detroit who has turned to urban farming to support his family.

Through these stories, the film paints a vivid picture of the impact of economic change on individuals, families, and communities. It shows how people who were once proud of their work and their communities have been forced to adapt to new realities and to face the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and social dislocation.

At the same time, the film is also a tribute to the resilience and creativity of these communities. It shows how people are finding new ways to support themselves and their families, often through innovative approaches to entrepreneurship and community-building.

Throughout the film, we see examples of how communities are coming together to support one another and to create new opportunities for growth and development. We see how people are using new technologies and social networks to connect with each other and to build new kinds of local economies.

One of the key themes of the film is the importance of education and training in helping people to adapt to the new economy. We meet individuals who are taking advantage of new opportunities for learning and skills development, both through formal education programs and through informal networks and communities of practice.

Through these stories, the film offers a powerful message of hope and possibility. It shows how even in the face of significant economic and social challenges, people can come together to create new and vibrant communities that are grounded in a shared sense of purpose and connection.

Overall, After The Factory is a compelling and insightful documentary that offers a deep and nuanced exploration of the impact of economic change on American communities. Through its powerful storytelling and vivid imagery, it offers a nuanced and complex portrait of a nation in transition, and highlights the critical role that community, entrepreneurship, and innovation can play in shaping a more vibrant and equitable future.