LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Roches-
ter Labor Film Series

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of individuals and organizations who distinguish
themselves in service to the cause of working men and women in the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 25th Anniversary of the Rochester Labor Film Series in 2014;
sponsored by the Rochester Central Labor Council and the Ronald G.
Pettengill Labor Education Fund, this momentous occasion will be held at
the Dryden Theatre in collaboration with the George Eastman House; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, the Labor Council held its first Labor Film Series,
cosponsored with the George Eastman House; during this time, nine clas-
sics were screened at the Dryden Theatre including "Norma Rae", "Mate-
wan", "The Organizer", "Sacco and Vanzetti", "Native Land", and "Harlan
County, U.S.A."; and
WHEREAS, Today, in its 25th year, the Rochester Labor Film Series
(RLFS) continues to bring labor-themed dramatic films, comedies, and
documentaries to the Rochester community; and
WHEREAS, A joint effort of the Dryden Theatre, the Rochester Labor
Council, and the International Museum of Film and Photography at George
Eastman House, the Rochester Labor Film Series presents motion pictures
celebrating workers around the world; its films are selected to inform,
provoke and inspire; and
WHEREAS, The first film program of this kind in the Nation, the
Rochester Labor Film Series show dramas, comedies and current documenta-
ries on important issues relating to work and workers, particularly
aspects which are often marginalized or absent in dominant commercial
media; and
WHEREAS, In addition, these labor-themed films encompass a wide range
of issues related to workers, from the conditions of work and the work-
place, to organizing struggles, from discrimination and redundancy, to
globalization and immigration, from blue and white to pink collars; and
WHEREAS, The Rochester Labor Film Series can best be interpreted as
labor films in the context of the economic and class relationships
portrayed; context for RLFS films is provided by introductions intended
to supply background on the issues raised in a film, offer insight into
the film's production or the filmmaker's intent, and help viewers to
understand the film; and
WHEREAS, For the past 25 years, the Rochester Labor Film Series has
contributed to the building of its communities and has fought diligently
to educate the public and better the working and living conditions for
those who labor in the proud tradition of their crafts; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Rochester Labor Film Series; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Dryden Theatre, the Rochester Labor Council, and the
International Museum of Film and Photography at George Eastman House.