4,000 migrant workers arrive in Leamington, Ontario each year to pick tomatoes under harsh conditions and for wages that locals refuse to accept.
Synopsis
4,000 migrant workers arrive in Leamington, Ontario each year to pick tomatoes under harsh conditions and for wages that locals refuse to accept.
Synopsis
A group of migrant workers from Mexico arrives in Leamington, Ontario, to pick tomatoes for eight months each year. They endure difficult living conditions and low wages that local residents would not accept. Many workers express their longing for home and family, sharing stories of hardship and mistreatment. One worker breaks down upon learning about the premature birth of his daughter. The film, directed by Min Sook Lee, premiered on September 24, 2003, and was later broadcast by TVOntario on January 12, 2005.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See the struggles of Mexican farm workers in Ontario.
- Find out how a SLAPP suit delayed the film's release.
- Meet workers sharing their emotional stories of separation.
Did You Know
- The film was released in 2003 and has a duration of 51 minutes.
- El Contrato premiered at the Bloor Cinema on September 24, 2003.
- The film was shortlisted for the Donald Brittain Award at the 20th Gemini Awards in 2005.
- Workers in the film shared stories of abuse only when assured their faces would not be filmed.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was El Contrato released?
El Contrato was released in 2003.
What is the main focus of El Contrato?
El Contrato focuses on the harsh living conditions of exploited migrant workers from Mexico working as farm labourers in Leamington, Ontario.
What award was El Contrato shortlisted for?
El Contrato was shortlisted for the Donald Brittain Award for Best Social or Political Documentary at the 20th Gemini Awards in 2005.
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