FilmSocial: Finally Got the News

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is very pleased to present Finally Got The News (1970) as the next film in the FilmSocial series of socialist film screenings.

Finally Got The News is a documentary that shows the activities of the League of Revolutionary Black Workers inside and outside the auto factories of Detroit. Through interviews with the members of the movement, footage shot in the auto plants, and footage of leafleting and picketing actions, the film documents their efforts to build an independent black labor organization that will respond to worker's problems, such as the assembly line speed-up and inadequate wages faced by both black and white workers in the industry.

The film was directed by members of Newsreel, a radical filmmaking collective formed in New York City in 1967. The filmmakers were drawn to Detroit after hearing about DRUM (Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement), a group of revolutionary workers in the main Dodge factory. DRUM had carried out successful strikes and inspired similar groups in other factories. DRUM eventually merged with other groups to form the League of Revolutionary Black Workers.

What makes Finally Got The News distinctive is that it makes explicit the message that it will be the working class that will make and lead the revolution. It was also one of the few films that was made under the direct control of working class black people with the purpose of radicalizing other black workers

The film will be presented in English with English subtitles.

Leo Panitch School events are always presented free-of-charge. This is only made possible through contributions from our participants and supporters. We encourage those who are able to consider making a cash donation at the event or becoming a monthly donor via leopanitchschool.ca/donate.

Accessibility Information
Eyesore Cinema’s screening room is on the main floor of a storefront. While there is stair-free access, the floor is uneven and may not be suitable for mobility devices. Washrooms are located in the basement of the store and are not wheelchair accessible.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@leopanitchschool.ca with any questions or concerns regarding accessibility at this event.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@leopanitchschool.ca with any questions or concerns regarding accessibility at this event.