Let's make a doc discussion - Subject: 1910 Newark Factory Fire & workers rights

This meet-up has been organized to discuss the possibilities of members of our group making a documentary about the Newark Factory Fire of 1910.

One of our members (Joy) has been doing research about the Newark Factory Fire for 3 years and wants to discuss the possibilities of producing a documentary.

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Joy, is a Austin Documentary Fan with a lot of enthusiasm. She recently joined the group and has attended a few of our Meet-Ups. We have been discussing her proposal for about 2 weeks.

The Newark Factory Fire was tragic indeed, not only because many women lost their lives, but because nothing was done to prevent the fire in the first place, nor save the women as they continued to work- not knowing the danger. Was this an isolated case?

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Yes we have laws that were put on the books to avoid horrendous tragedies like the Newark fire, but if we watch the news long enough, sooner or later we will here another story about a chemical leak, fire or some other event that placed the lives of workers or the community in danger because of the negligence of management, owners or the culture of the corporation.

Joy says the real story was the court room case, and how these women were made to be blamed for their own deaths.

To find out more back ground about the event go to the following link which was published in April of 1910, over 100 years ago.

http://www.oldnewark.com/histories/factoryfire01.htm

New York Times Article 100 year anniversary

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/nyregion/24towns.html?emc=eta1

The purpose of this meet-up again is to discuss this tragic event in history, and to explore the possibility of making it into a documentary.

You do not have to be a filmmaker to attend, but you should first read the link above, have an interest in the subject matter and bring some ideas to the table.

There might be an underwriter for part of this project if it goes forward.

I will moderate the meeting, but Joy will discuss the history of the Newark Fire and share what issues are relevant today.