Film School Radio hosted by Mike Kaspar

The Hand That Feeds, Co-Director / Producer Rachel Lears

The Hand That Feeds poster

THE HAND THAT FEEDS hits theaters on April 3 in NYC and April 10 in LA. In this remarkable film from filmmakers Robin Blotnick and Rachel Lears, shy sandwich-maker Mahoma Lopez sets out to end abusive conditions at a popular New York restaurant chain. The epic power struggle that ensues turns a single city block into a battlefield in America’s new wage wars. Risking deportation and the loss of their livelihood the workers team up with a diverse crew of innovative young organizers and take the unusual step of forming their own independent union launching themselves on a journey that will test the limits of their resolve. THE HAND THAT FEEDS was a frontrunner in the film festival circuit last year and took home an Audience Award at both the Full Frame Film Festival and DOC NYC, as well as the Best of Fest at AFI Docs amongst others. Co-director Rachel Lears stops by to talk about the character and determination of the small band of workers committed to carving out a better future for their families.

For news and updates on The Hand That Feeds go to: thehandthatfeedsfilm.com

“A crowd pleaser… a well-plotted and captivating David & Goliath story.”- Anthony Kaufman, Indiewire

“As rousing as it is seemingly implausible.” – Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter

“An inspiring story.” – Anne Hornaday, The Washington Post

“Noteworthy.” – Stephen Holden, The New York Times

“Engaging nonfiction storytelling, deftly edited for maximum suspense.” – Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader

“It’s Norma Rae with a side of sauerkraut… socially conscious documentary filmmaking at its best.” – Peter Keough, The Boston Globe

“A powerful story that we don’t often see in movies.” – Chris Barsanti, Pop Matters

AWARDS

Audience Award for Best Feature – Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Durham, NC

Audience Award – DOC NYC, New York, NY

Selection “Best of Fest” – AFI DOCS

Jury Prize, Best Documentary Feature – Sidewalk Film Festival

International Jury Prize – Document Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, Glasgow, Scotland