Documentary
United States of America
American Factory is a documentary film directed by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert. It explores the cultural and economic differences between the American and Chinese workforces through the lens of a factory in Dayton, Ohio. The factory is established by Chinese billionaire Cao Dewang, who reopens an abandoned General Motors plant to create Fuyao Glass America, a glass manufacturing company.
The film begins with the excitement of local residents who welcome the news of new job opportunities and the potential revitilization of the local economy. However, as the Chinese management implements their own cultural practices and work ethics, issues arise with the American workforce who are not used to the level of discipline and expectations set by the Chinese. Conflict between the two workforces becomes apparent as they struggle to communicate and understand each other.
The documentary also highlights worker safety concerns as the Chinese company looks to cut costs in order to remain profitable. The language barrier proves an obstacle in training the workforce, as well as in raising concerns about safety in a timely manner.
Overall, American Factory provides a glimpse into the complexities of globalization and the impact on American workers and industries. It raises interesting questions about the future of work and the role of multinational corporations in local economies. The film premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was later acquired by Netflix for distribution. In 2020, it won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
