The Take (2004)
In the aftermath of Argentina’s spectacular economic collapse in 2001, the once-prosperous middle class finds itself amidst a ghost town of abandoned factories and widespread unemployment. Directed by Avi Lewis, The Take delves into the extraordinary story of workers in Buenos Aires, Argentina who take matters into their own hands.
The film centers around the Forja auto plant, which had shut down, leaving its former employees without jobs. Faced with the harsh realities of economic policies implemented during the Carlos Menem government, and under the watchful eye of the International Monetary Fund, the workers decide to reclaim control of their destiny.
Occupying the factory, they embark on a courageous journey to transform it into a worker cooperative. Their goal is to restart the silent machines and breathe life back into the abandoned facility. The struggle is not only against bankruptcy but also against a corrupt and brutal system that perpetuates inequality.
As the workers navigate the courts and legislative systems, they draw inspiration from other groups that had fought similar battles. The film captures their determination, resilience, and collective spirit as they fight for the right to operate the plant themselves.
Beyond cooperative ownership, “The Take” delves into ideological clashes, revealing how Menem regained strength during subsequent elections despite the poor performance of his privatization policies while in office. Ultimately, the workers succeed in their quest for autonomy and self-determination.
The legacy of this collective movement extends beyond the documentary. Collaborating with Brendan Martin, Avi Lewis helped establish The Working World/La Base, a non-profit microcredit organization aimed at supporting cooperatives. This inspiring tale of grassroots empowerment challenges conventional notions of globalization and economic control.
The Take serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, ordinary people can come together, resist, and create meaningful change.
