GRASSROOTS RISING

GRASSROOTS RISING documents the resurgence of Asian Pacific American labor activism in Los Angeles. The film follows workers from diverse backgrounds: Pilipino domestic workers, Chinese laundry staff, Korean restaurant employees fighting wage theft, Thai women in sweatshops, and Korean and Mexican American grocery workers as they unite for better working conditions.

Poetry by Alison de la Cruz complements stories of struggle and resilience. Unjustly fired Koreatown restaurant workers, exploited health care workers, and women confined in sweatshops share their experiences alongside those organizing for change.

The documentary shows how immigrant communities transform hardship into collective action through organizations like the Korean Immigrant Workers Advocates, Garment Worker Center, and Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance.

At its core, GRASSROOTS RISING explores the pursuit of the American Dream through workers fighting for justice. For many immigrants, deceived by companies that brought them to the United States, providing better futures for their children drives their activism. Through their testimonies and de la Cruz's poetic voice, the film reveals the enduring power of labor movements built across cultural divides.

This limited release was made possible by Elev8Docs by Color Congress.