Independent Lens Season 14 Episode 1 As Goes Janesville

As Goes Janesville is the premiere episode of Independent Lens's 14th season. This documentary takes a deep dive into the effects of the economic recession on Janesville, Wisconsin, a small industrial town that was once known for being a hub for General Motors.

In 2008, the GM plant in Janesville shut down, leaving many of the town's workers unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. As Goes Janesville follows the lives of several Janesville residents as they try to pick up the pieces and rebuild their town in the face of economic hardship.

The documentary focuses on three different groups of people in Janesville: laid-off GM workers who are trying to find new jobs, business owners who are trying to keep their companies afloat, and community leaders who are trying to attract new businesses to the town.

One of the most compelling storylines in As Goes Janesville follows laid-off GM workers as they try to find new jobs. The documentary shows the challenges these workers face as they try to re-enter a job market that has been hit hard by the recession. It also highlights the emotional toll that layoffs can take on workers and their families.

Another storyline in the documentary focuses on the efforts of business owners to keep their companies running. The economic downturn has taken a toll on many of these businesses, and they are struggling to stay afloat. As Goes Janesville shows the ways in which these business owners are trying to adapt to the changing economic landscape in order to survive.

Finally, the documentary explores the efforts of community leaders to attract new businesses to Janesville. These leaders recognize that the town needs new industries in order to thrive in the long-term, and they are working hard to make Janesville an attractive location for new businesses to set up shop.

Throughout the documentary, viewers get a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the people of Janesville as they try to rebuild their community in the wake of the economic recession. It is a powerful and poignant look into the impact of economic hardship on working-class Americans.

Overall, As Goes Janesville is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an important topic. It offers a nuanced and multifaceted view of the economic struggles facing small towns across America, and it is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the impact of the recession on ordinary Americans.