Film Lens
The documentary follows Emilia Stancati, a waitress struggling to make ends meet while juggling multiple jobs and family responsibilities. She has applied for over four dozen jobs in the past two months, highlighting the challenges faced by those living on minimum wage. Emilia's story reflects the broader issue of financial instability as she risks losing her house and falls deeper into credit card debt. Her experiences at work, including long hours and a lack of support from management, illustrate the difficulties of low-wage employment.
The film also features Percy and Beverly Evans, who face the fading of their retirement dreams after losing their middle-class jobs. Their determination to avoid charity and maintain dignity in the face of financial hardship adds another layer to the narrative. Through personal accounts and struggles, the documentary explains the harsh realities of living on minimum wage in America.
Why Watch
- •Meet Emilia as she navigates job interviews and financial stress.
- •See how Emilia refuses to wear shorts for a job at a sports bar.
- •Find out why Emilia's manager cuts staff during slow business hours.
- •Discover the Evans' struggle to maintain dignity after job loss.
Did You Know
•Emilia Stancati has applied for more than 48 jobs in two months.
•She works full-time at a breakfast place, including holidays like Thanksgiving.
•Emilia fears losing her house due to mounting credit card debt.
•Percy and Beverly Evans want to sell cans instead of asking for charity.
Perfect For
Minimum wage workersJob seekersFinancially struggling familiesThose interested in economic issues