Barr spent nine years filming workers of the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant. See more photos on UNCG Research Flickr.
Barr trimmed 170 hours of footage into what he calls “86 minutes of oral history and documentary” for the film’s premiere at UNCG in 2016. The final product, narrated by actor and activist Danny Glover, explores what Barr calls a “David versus Goliath” story.
“It depicts the atmosphere of injury and intimidation that prevailed at the Tar Heel plant,” says Barr. Fear of losing their jobs deterred many workers from openly participating in union efforts.
“It shows the courage of the workers who fought for a union, and how working conditions improved when — after two failed attempts — they finally succeeded.”
Barr has presented the film at the headquarters of the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C., universities including Cornell University and UCLA, organized labor conferences, festivals, and churches. This summer he plans to produce hour-long and half-hour versions aimed at the education market, union-training programs, and organizing drives.
“The film’s message of solidarity resonates with many audiences,” says Barr. “African American, Hispanic, Lumbee, and white workers came together, and that is very powerful.”
“Union Time” is the latest product of Barr’s nonprofit, the Unheard Voices Project, which produces documentaries about working people facing challenges of globalization and economic upheaval. Other films include “Wild Caught,” about the troubles of a fishing community in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and “With These Hands,” a look at the struggling U.S. furniture industry through the closing of the Hooker Furniture factory in Martinsville, Virginia.
Barr had always wanted to produce a documentary about a union and was excited when an acquaintance introduced him to the Smithfield campaign. Two UNCG grants totaling $10,000 funded his early work on “Union Time,” while $85,000 from individuals, including relatives, enabled him to complete the project.
“To me, making this film was a huge act of faith,” Barr says.
“I believe it tells an important story. It is history told by the people who made it.”
