The documentary "Union" chronicles the Amazon Labor Union's historic unionization efforts. Initially, the filmmakers aimed to document the labor struggle without aiming for commercial success, securing funding before the election win. They captured extensive footage of Chris Smalls' journey from grassroots organizer to national figure. Despite winning awards at Sundance, securing distribution proved challenging, receiving numerous rejections from distributors. The filmmakers opted for an independent release, partnering with labor organizations for screenings, resulting in high box office numbers in select cities. Distributors' rejections were likely due to the film's labor-focused narrative, deemed too "political" in the current climate of increased labor activism. While seemingly focused on Amazon, the film provides broader context to the current labor movement resurgence, highlighting the ongoing struggles and successes within a larger context. Despite not receiving an Oscar nomination, the film's visibility increased, and its independent distribution continued to thrive. The film's ongoing success demonstrates that its message resonates beyond the awards season, continuing its impact on the broader conversation about labor rights. The film concludes by emphasizing the cyclical nature of labor organizing, showing both victories and setbacks, underscoring the constant need for worker mobilization.
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