{"id":18129,"date":"2024-12-20T18:25:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T18:25:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?p=18129"},"modified":"2026-03-03T14:45:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T14:45:14","slug":"red-dust","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/?p=18129","title":{"rendered":"Red Dust: a documentary film"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"RED_DUST_Trailer.mov\" width=\"980\" height=\"735\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4xpe9achkV8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-unset-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ftt-ladybird-geoblogs.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-135\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>followthethings.com<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?page_id=305\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"305\">Electronics<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?page_id=329\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"329\">Home &amp; Auto<\/a><br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-custom-font-size is-horizontal is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-bc275726 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"font-size:10px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=2008\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">2008<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=gp-batteries\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">GP BATTERIES<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--4\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=toys-r-us\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">TOYS &#8216;R&#8217; US<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--5\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=walmart\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">WALMART<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--6\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=mattel\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">MATTEL<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--7\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=batteries\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--8\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=origin-china\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">MADE IN CHINA<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--9\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=destination-worldwide\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">SOLD WORLDWIDE<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--10\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=documentary-film\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">DOCUMENTARY FILM<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--11\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-purple-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=short-film\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">SHORT FILM<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--12\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=show-capitalist-evils\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">SHOW CAPITALIST EVILS<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--13\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=show-whats-possible\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">SHOW WHAT&#8217;S POSSIBLE<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--14\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=change-citizen-behaviour\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">CHANGE CITIZEN BEHAVIOUR<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--15\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=flip-the-script\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">FLIP THE SCRIPT!<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--16\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=find-give-inspiration\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">FIND &amp; GIVE INSPIRATION<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--17\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=embody-exploitation\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">EMBODY EXPLOITATION<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--18\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=find-a-character\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">FIND SOME CHARACTERS<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--19\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=follow-the-people\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">FOLLOW THE PEOPLE<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--20\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=make-it-independent\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">MAKE IT INDEPENDENT<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--21\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=translate-and-subtitle\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">TRANSLATE &amp; SUBTITLE<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--22\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=make-a-website\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">MAKE A WEBSITE<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--23\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?tag=prompt-good-citizenship\" style=\"border-radius:5px;font-size:12px\">PROMPT GOOD CITIZENSHIP<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f6f0ec\">&#8220;<strong>Red Dust<\/strong>: <strong>a documentary film&#8221;<\/strong><br>A documentary film directed by Karin Mak in Mandarin and Sichuanhua with English subtitles<br>Trailer embedded above. Watch in full on Labournet TV <a href=\"https:\/\/en.labournet.tv\/video\/6349\/red-dust\">here<\/a>. Website <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/\">here<\/a>.<br><br>A woman called Ren leaves beautiful rural Sichuan, China to work in a nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery factory in the city of Huizhou. Thousands of women like her do this. It&#8217;s an exciting opportunity to life yourself and your family back home out of poverty. But it creates the kind of pool of surplus cheap labour that attracts foreign investors. After years working at a GP factory making batteries for Wa-Mart, Mattel and Toys R Us, Ren and her workmates have been poisoned by the red cadmium dust in the air. They aren&#8217;t told that there&#8217;s a risk that this could poison their internal organs, leave them breathless, give them frequent headaches and cause them to endure chronic pain. There&#8217;s no protective equipment. This poisoning affects what they can do with their lives, including whether it&#8217;s safe to have children. And the medicines are expensive, especially when your pay is so low. There&#8217;s a striking contract here between disposable workers and reusable batteries. Chinese female workers have historically been stereotyped as quiet and passive, but Ren and her workmates behave assertively in response to what&#8217;s happened to them. This is what attract&#8217;s American filmmaker Karin Mak to their story. She follows Ren and her friends Min, Fu and Wu as they find out more about cadmium poisoning, gather evidence and demand justice from local government and the battery manufacturer. What&#8217;s distinctive about this film is that it&#8217;s an early example of trade justice documentary filmmaking that humanises Chinese workers, and shows their resistance to the low pay and dangerous working conditions that are so well known otherwise. It doesn&#8217;t start from a consumer perspective. And it asks its viewers to take action, not as consumers but as citizens who can write to GP batteries. The text of the letter can be copied from the film&#8217;s website. This is Karin Mak&#8217;s thesis film, part of her studies in social documentation at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She&#8217;s the filmmaker who worked with SACOM to make their <em>Those With Justice <\/em>film (on our site <a href=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/?p=14799\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14799\">here<\/a>) three years previously. She&#8217;s not making this for mainstream consumption. She&#8217;s not worrying about its funding. She wants to portray these women&#8217;s struggles vividly and sympathetically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Page reference: Alex Alonso, David Tagle and Jennifer Reis (2011) <em>Red Dust<\/em>. followthethings.com\/red-dust.shtml (last accessed &lt;insert date here&gt;)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Estimated reading time: 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>15 comments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Descriptions<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-dark-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>Red Dust, is a 20-minute documentary by Karin Mak on the efforts of Chinese nickel-cadmium battery workers to document and end debilitating illnesses from cadmium poisoning in the production of rechargeable batteries (Source: Brown 2010, p.8).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-blue-red\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>RED DUST is an expos\u00e9 on the deadly price paid by female factory workers who suffer from cadmium poisoning resulting from their jobs in a Chinese battery factory (Source: Anon 2011a, np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.faaim.org\/\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-blue-orange\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>Poisoned by the carcinogen cadmium in the battery factories where they worked, Ren and her comrades engage in a desperate struggle for justice. RED DUST captures rural and urban poverty and the risks involved in speaking up in China. In face of daunting obstacles that affect their work, health, and future, the women persevere (Source: Anon 2011b, np <a href=\"http:\/\/lovetosurge.weebly.com\/red-dust.html\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-purple-yellow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>The incredible story of resistance, courage and hope by women workers in China battling cadmium poisoning and demanding justice from the local government and their employer, a multi-national battery manufacturer (Source: Anon 2010a, np <a href=\"http:\/\/labourfilms.ca\/cliff\/festival-locations\/ontario\/guelph\/\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-small-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>+3 comments<\/summary>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>The human stories of exploitation in this documentary show the complexities behind China&#8217;s growth, the forces that shape it, the forces that challenge it (Source: Anon nda, np <a href=\"http:\/\/socdoc.ucsc.edu\/alumni\/mak.php\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-blue-red\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>RED DUST tells an unexamined side of China&#8217;s economic development: the resistance, courage, and hope of workers battling occupational disease, demanding justice from the local government and global capital (Source: Anon 2011c, np <a href=\"http:\/\/laapff.festpro.com\/films\/detail\/red_dust_2011\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-blue-orange\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>The documentary follows the main character Ren on her journey home to rural Sichuan, a poor province in China where many factory workers hail from. Ren suffers from cadmium poisoning, and worries about what will happen to her family as her health deteriorates. Ren meets regularly with her friends Min and Fu, who . . . also worked for [battery manufacturer] GP. Now the three women help other workers who suffer from the effects of cadmium poisoning through lawsuits and actions. The film intercuts between scenes of Ren in the country and scenes of her comrades in the city. The back and forth visually juxtaposes the rural countryside with the cityscape. Over 150 million Chinese peasants have flocked to the cities to earn money in low-wage jobs. This mass migration is one of the reasons China&#8217;s labor costs are low. The surplus labor provided by migrant workers attracts foreign investors like GP, a multinational company that makes batteries for Wal-Mart, Mattel, and Toys R Us. Most of the migrants who work in the factories are women. Ren, who left the countryside three days before she was set to start middle school, accuses the factory of taking advantage of her as a migrant worker: \u2018We don&#8217;t have much education&#8230;The factory never told us cadmium was harmful.&#8217; Audiences meet Ren\u2019s hard-working family in the countryside her mother, who is a farmer, and a cousin whom Ren has not seen in fifteen years. The slower-paced rural life is reflected in longer and wider shots. The beautiful landscapes and rustic feel, however cannot hide the poverty, lack of opportunities, and the legacy of favoring boys over girls in China that push women like Ren to leave the countryside. Rural life is incredibly labor-intensive as Ren and her mom are always doing something while talking to the camera: hand washing laundry, preparing vegetables, or clearing land. Details of the country life are richly captured. In one scene, an itinerant barber comes by Ren\u2019s home to cut Ren and her mom\u2019s hair. As the camera captures the cutting, audiences learn that they are selling their hair to make extra money. Meanwhile back in the city of Huizhou, Min and Fu gather in a hotel room a space they see as a safe place to meet &#8211; to recount the history of their struggle. They explain archival photographs of worker actions outside the factories. The photographs, taken by workers themselves, have not been seen outside of China. \u2018We had work stoppages and demanded medical compensation,\u2019 says Fu. In China, workers may be jailed for what the state calls disrupting the harmony of society. Fu holds back her tears as she recalls how someone threatened her for participating in the struggle. The faster-paced edits in the city hotel correspond to the rushed, modern, and cramped life. Interviews in the hotel room with Fu and Wu include cuts to angular close-ups of their bodies, which visually represent how woman\u2019s bodies have been compartmentalized, cut-up, as part of China\u2019s economic development. In both urban and rural spaces though, the women are marginalized. Fu, from rural Hunan says, \u2018I\u2019m in the my thirties and am afraid to have children because I see my co-workers children are sick. A woman without children cannot stay in the village so I had to return to the city where I got my occupational disease.\u2019 Although the women look physically healthy, cadmium has affected their internal organs and they experience chronic pain. In one scene, Min displays all the different medicines she takes for headaches, bone aches, and sore throats&#8211; and those are only the ones she can afford. The last character the audience meets is Wu, who is suing GP. Her stack of documents chronicling correspondence with the factory and medicals records lay scattered on the white bed sheets in my hotel room as she flips through them, figuring out which ones to explain to the camera. Fear of someone overhearing the conversation from outside the hotel room however, interrupts her testimony as the camera nervously pans away. She ends by saying, \u2018We lost our lives to the factory.\u2019 RED DUST is told through observational cinema style with the workers positioned as experts on their situation. The film also has self-reflexive elements in it such that the audience discovers cadmium poisoning along with the filmmaker. Given China&#8217;s rising role in global economics and politics, many audiences are interested in learning more about the country with the world\u2019s fastest growing economy. The documentary\u2019s intimate moments with the characters make the film appeal to a broad range of audiences. Ultimately, the documentary humanizes Chinese workers and shows their activism, something that has not yet been seen in the media (Source: Anon ndb np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newfilmmakersonline.com\/title.aspx?levelID=15968&amp;assetID=3090\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>Red cadmium dust drifted freely in China\u2019s nickel-cadmium battery factories owned and operated by GP BATTERIES (GP), one of the world\u2019s top battery manufacturers. Ren, a migrant worker originally from Sichuan, suffers from frequent headaches and breathing difficulties. If untreated, the cadmium poisoning can lead to kidney failure, cancer, and even death. RED DUST tells an unexamined side of China\u2019s economic development: the resistance, courage, and hope of workers battling occupational disease, demanding justice from the local government and global capital. Chinese migrant workers are deemed disposable by factory owners and are stereotypically viewed as quiet and passive victims. However, Ren and other GP workers (Min, Fu, and Wu) fight back. Labor issues are very sensitive in China, and workers who publicly discuss their struggles do so at great risk. The audience discovers along with the filmmaker, a Chinese American, the horrors of the global assembly line.&nbsp; This documentary is about women who are the engine of the global economy. Although the film takes place in China, the characters\u2019 experiences are universal to workers on the margins around the world, where poverty, migration, and workplace hazards are common realities (Source: Anon ndc, np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/aboutfilm.asp\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Inspiration \/ Technique \/ Process \/ Methodology<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-blue-orange\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>She fell in love with filmmaking while in the Media Studies program at Pomona College. For several years, Karin worked at the non-profit organization Sweatshop Watch. In 2008, she earned an M.A. in Social Documentation from the University of California Santa Cruz. Karin&#8217;s films have screened in Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, and other cities (Source: Anon 2011d np <a href=\"http:\/\/alliedmedia.org\/amc2010\/news\/2010\/06\/17\/amc2010-presenters\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-purple-green\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>China holds an interesting place in the American imagination. Think of the \u2018Chinese factory worker\u2019 and undoubtedly images of quiet and docile women come to mind. The majority of factory workers in China and around the world are women. But are they as submissive as the stereotype? In recent years, Chinese workers have engaged in strikes, walk-outs, and petitions. While the major news outlets have focused on the country\u2019s rapid economic growth, I wanted to make a film that would amplify Chinese workers\u2019 voices. In this period of unprecedented wealth-building, what have been the social costs? Labor issues are very sensitive in China. For the film, I searched for workers who were willing to come forward to talk about their labor struggle with a foreigner. Many refused. The women featured in Red Dust bravely did. Although the cadmium poisoning case had been covered in the China Central Television (CCTV) before I had met them, the former GP Batteries workers still faced intense pressure to keep quiet (Source: Mak nd, np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/directorsstatement.asp\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-purple-yellow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>The films cinema-verite style gives viewers an intimate and immediate portrait of working life in China. The film is shot on digital video in order to maintain a low profile in China, where official film shoots require government approval (Source: Anon ndb, np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newfilmmakersonline.com\/title.aspx?levelID=15968&amp;assetID=3090\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>I am inspired by the courageous women I met along the way and am grateful for the mentors, family, and friends who have supported me throughout this maddening process of making a documentary. My hope is that the former GP Batteries worker\u2019s endeavors are not lost upon audiences and I look forward to the day when they will get the justice due to them (Source: Mak nd, np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/directorsstatement.asp\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong>Discussion \/ Responses<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-blue-orange\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>Red Dust &#8230; chronicles the struggle for justice by women workers in China who have been poisoned by cadmium while manufacturing nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium has been in the international and USA news lately as found in jewellery and McDonald&#8217;s Shrek glasses. However, the majority of cadmium is used for production of nickel-cadmium batteries, a type of rechargeable battery. Cadmium is a very toxic heavy metal and the brave women in the film live with its debilitating effects in addition to risking their safety in their fight for justice. It covers themes of workers&#8217; rights, globalization, occupational safety and health, China&#8217;s economic development and women&#8217;s rights. . . . The audience discovers along with the filmmaker, a Chinese American, the horrors of the global assembly line (Source: Anon 2010b, np <a href=\"http:\/\/goodelectronics.org\/news-en\/red-dust-documentary-on-cadmium-poisoning-in-chinese-women-battery-workers\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-purple-green\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>I document their struggle with the aim that their story can be heard in the U.S. and around the world. Red Dust chronicles the experiences of women in the global economy. The GP Batteries factories opened in Huizhou during China\u2019s liberalization, part of the country\u2019s economic development strategy that welcomed foreign direct investment. For the workers who worked at the GP Batteries factories for many years, the excitement of being independent wage earners escaping the poverty and patriarchy of the rural countryside gave way to the reality that they were disposable. This realization of betrayal and of a dream shattered have left them deeply embittered. Red Dust is a commentary not on China, but on global capitalism (Source: Mak nd, np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/directorsstatement.asp\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-midnight\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<p>At only 21 minutes, Karin Mak\u2019s documentary<em> Red Dust <\/em>maximizes every second as it follows female workers fighting for medical care from their former employer, China\u2019s GP Batteries factory, after suffering years of cadmium poisoning. The women \u2014 mostly rural migrant workers who moved to the city to earn money \u2014 endure constant headaches, body aches, sore throats and the high, looming risk of kidney failure, lung cancer and bone disease from exposure to cadmium, which is more poisonous than lead. In their personal lives, they must deal with cost-prohibitive medicines, the emotional toll illness has taken on spouses and families and the threat of intimidation from the factory and police, as independent labor organizing is illegal in China. The women\u2019s sadness and exhaustion is juxtaposed with an ardent determination to support their \u2018sisters united\u2019 as they take legal action against GP Batteries and draw attention to workers\u2019 rights and factory conditions. Red Dust, Mak\u2019s thesis film from University of California, Santa Cruz\u2019s social documentation program, beautifully reveals the humanity behind a true David vs. Goliath social justice movement (Source: Kim 2011 np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hyphenmagazine.com\/magazine\/issue-23-bittersweet\/dvd-review-red-dust\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Outcomes \/ Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile has-small-font-size is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:7.99%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border wp-duotone-blue-red\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"868\" height=\"872\" src=\"https:\/\/follow-the-things.onyx-sites.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99\" style=\"border-radius:100px;object-fit:cover;width:43px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04.png 868w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-08-at-17.49.04-768x772.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:92.01%\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Write a letter to GP BATTERIES.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Victor Lo, CEO Gold Peak Group<br>Gold Peak Industries (Holdings) Limited<br>Gold Peak Building 8\/F<br>30 Kwai Wing Road, Kwai Chung<br>New Territories, Hong Kong<br>Tel: (852) 2427 1133&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>Fax: (852) 2489 1879<br>E-mail: <a href=\"mailto:gp@goldpeak.com\">gp@goldpeak.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SAMPLE LETTER:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dear GP Batteries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have learned of the horrors experienced by women poisoned by cadmium while making GP BATTERIES\u2019 nickel-cadmium batteries. I am writing to urge you to take responsibility by meeting the workers&#8217; demands, which include proper compensation for medical treatment. Cadmium is an extremely toxic heavy metal and the workers\u2019 exposure to cadmium has led to severe health and personal consequences. I implore you to be an industry leader by taking responsibility and providing compensation for workers. This issue cannot wait; I hope you take action today before it is too late for the women who had long-term exposure to cadmium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you very much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sincerely, (Source: Anon ndd, np <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/TakeAction-Letter.asp\">link<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-normal-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#f8f2ee\">Page compiled by Alex Alonso, David Tagle and Jennifer Reis, edited by Daisy Livingston (last updated June 2011). Page created for followthethings.com as part of the \u2018Anthropologies of global connection\u2019 course, Brown University. Daisy&#8217;s editing was suppoirted by a nicely paid followthethings.com internship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Anon (nda) Class of 2008 : Karim Mak \u2018Red Dust\u2019 (Video). <em>UC Santa Cruz Social Documentation<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/socdoc.ucsc.edu\/alumni\/mak.php\">http:\/\/socdoc.ucsc.edu\/alumni\/mak.php<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Anon (ndb) Red Dust. <em>New film makers online<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.newfilmmakersonline.com\/title.aspx?levelID=15968&amp;assetID=3090\">www.newfilmmakersonline.com\/title.aspx?levelID=15968&amp;assetID=3090<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Anon (ndc) About the film: synopsis.<em> reddustdocumentary.org<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/aboutfilm.asp\">\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/aboutfilm.asp<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Anon (ndd) Take action: write a letter.<em> reddustdocumentary.org<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/TakeAction-Letter.asp\">www.reddustdocumentary.org\/TakeAction-Letter.asp<\/a> last accessed 28 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-small-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>+13 sources<\/summary>\n<p>Anon (2010a) Red Dust. <em>Cliff Canadian Labour International Film Festival<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/labourfilms.ca\/cliff\/festival-locations\/ontario\/guelph\/\">http:\/\/labourfilms.ca\/cliff\/festival-locations\/ontario\/guelph\/<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anon (2010b) Red Dust &#8211; documentary on cadmium poisoning in Chinese women battery workers. <em>Good Electronics <\/em>6 August (<a href=\"http:\/\/goodelectronics.org\/news-en\/red-dust-documentary-on-cadmium-poisoning-in-chinese-women-battery-workers\">http:\/\/goodelectronics.org\/news-en\/red-dust-documentary-on-cadmium-poisoning-in-chinese-women-battery-workers<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anon (2011a) Red Dust. <em>Foundation for Asian American Independent Media<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.faaim.org\/\">www.faaim.org\/<\/a> last accessed 28 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anon (2011b) Red Dust. <em>Love to S.U.R.G.E<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/lovetosurge.weebly.com\/red-dust.html\">http:\/\/lovetosurge.weebly.com\/red-dust.html<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anon (2011c) Red Dust. <em>Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/laapff.festpro.com\/films\/detail\/red_dust_2011\">http:\/\/laapff.festpro.com\/films\/detail\/red_dust_2011<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anon (2011d) Allied Media Conference 2010.<em> alliedmedia.org<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/alliedmedia.org\/amc2010\/news\/2010\/06\/17\/amc2010-presenters\">http:\/\/alliedmedia.org\/amc2010\/news\/2010\/06\/17\/amc2010-presenters<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brown, G. (2010) New resources. <em>Border\/Line Health &amp; Safety<\/em> XI(2), p.8 (<a href=\"http:\/\/mhssn.igc.org\/news_aug2010.pdf\">http:\/\/mhssn.igc.org\/news_aug2010.pdf<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Johnson, T. &amp; Ridder, K. (2004) Chinese find jobs are poison; families may suffer too, but workers face threats if they complain to Beijing battery factory cadmium. <em>The Charlotte observer<\/em> 9 November (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/PDFs\/CharlotteObs_poison.pdf\">www.reddustdocumentary.org\/PDFs\/CharlotteObs_poison.pdf<\/a> last accessed 28 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kim, S. (2011) DVD review: Red Dust.<em> Hyphen<\/em> 23 (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.hyphenmagazine.com\/magazine\/issue-23-bittersweet\/dvd-review-red-dust\">www.hyphenmagazine.com\/magazine\/issue-23-bittersweet\/dvd-review-red-dust<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mak, K. (nd) About the film: director\u2019s statement.<em> reddustdocumentary.org<\/em> (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/directorsstatement.asp\">www.reddustdocumentary.org\/directorsstatement.asp<\/a> last accessed 24 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spencer, J. &amp; Ye, J. (2008) Toxic factories take toll on China\u2019s labor force. <em>Wall Street journal<\/em> (Eastern edition)15 January p.A.1 (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/PDFs\/WSJ_toxic%20toll.pdf\">www.reddustdocumentary.org\/PDFs\/WSJ_toxic%20toll.pdf<\/a> last accessed 28 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spencer, J. (2008) Toys \u2018R\u2019 Us, Mattel phase out cadmium batteries. <em>The Wall Street journal <\/em>19 February p.B4 (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddustdocumentary.org\/PDFs\/WSJ_phaseout%20cd%20batteries.pdf\">www.reddustdocumentary.org\/PDFs\/WSJ_phaseout%20cd%20batteries.pdf<\/a> last accessed 28 June 2011)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tofani, L. (2001) Chinese workers lose their lives producing goods for America.<em> The Salt Lake tribune<\/em> 21-24 October (<a href=\"http:\/\/extras.sltrib.com\/china\">http:\/\/extras.sltrib.com\/china<\/a> last accessed 28 June 2011)<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details has-small-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Image credit<\/summary>\n<p><strong><em>Speaking icon:<\/em><\/strong> Speaking (https:\/\/thenounproject.com\/icon\/speaking-5549886\/) by M Faisal from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0) Modified August 2024<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div><p id=\"pvc_stats_18129\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"18129\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 -37 178 -43 195 -70 221 -36 32 -101 37 -139 11z\"\/><path d=\"M1163 3073 c-36 -7 -73 -59 -73 -102 0 -56 133 -378 171 -413 34 -32 83 -37 129 -13 70 36 67 87 -16 290 -86 209 -89 214 -129 231 -35 14 -42 15 -82 7z\"\/><path d=\"M3689 3066 c-15 -9 -33 -30 -42 -48 -48 -103 -147 -355 -147 -375 0 -98 131 -148 192 -74 13 15 57 108 97 206 80 196 84 226 37 273 -30 30 -99 39 -137 18z\"\/><path d=\"M583 2784 c-38 -19 -67 -74 -58 -113 9 -42 211 -354 242 -373 16 -10 45 -18 66 -18 51 0 107 52 107 100 0 39 -1 41 -124 234 -80 126 -108 162 -133 173 -41 17 -61 16 -100 -3z\"\/><path d=\"M4250 2784 c-14 -9 -74 -91 -133 -183 -95 -150 -107 -173 -107 -213 0 -55 33 -94 87 -104 67 -13 90 8 211 198 130 202 137 225 78 284 -27 27 -42 34 -72 34 -22 0 -50 -8 -64 -16z\"\/><path d=\"M2275 2693 c-553 -48 -1095 -270 -1585 -649 -135 -104 -459 -423 -483 -476 -23 -49 -22 -139 2 -186 73 -142 361 -457 571 -626 285 -228 642 -407 990 -497 242 -63 336 -73 660 -74 310 0 370 5 595 52 535 111 1045 392 1455 803 122 121 250 273 275 326 19 41 19 137 0 174 -41 79 -309 363 -465 492 -447 370 -946 591 -1479 653 -113 14 -422 18 -536 8z m395 -428 c171 -34 330 -124 456 -258 112 -119 167 -219 211 -378 27 -96 24 -300 -5 -401 -72 -255 -236 -447 -474 -557 -132 -62 -201 -76 -368 -76 -167 0 -236 14 -368 76 -213 98 -373 271 -451 485 -162 444 86 934 547 1084 153 49 292 57 452 25z m909 -232 c222 -123 408 -262 593 -441 76 -74 138 -139 138 -144 0 -16 -233 -242 -330 -319 -155 -123 -309 -223 -461 -299 l-81 -41 32 46 c18 26 49 83 70 128 143 306 141 649 -6 957 -25 52 -61 116 -79 142 l-34 47 45 -20 c26 -10 76 -36 113 -56z m-2057 25 c-40 -58 -105 -190 -130 -263 -110 -324 -59 -707 132 -981 25 -35 42 -64 37 -64 -19 0 -241 119 -326 174 -188 122 -406 314 -532 468 l-58 71 108 103 c185 178 428 349 672 473 66 33 121 60 123 61 2 0 -10 -19 -26 -42z\"\/><path d=\"M2375 1950 c-198 -44 -350 -190 -395 -379 -18 -76 -8 -221 19 -290 114 -284 457 -406 731 -260 98 52 188 154 231 260 27 69 37 214 19 290 -38 163 -166 304 -326 360 -67 23 -215 33 -279 19z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/followthethings.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p><div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>followthethings.comElectronics | Home &amp; Auto &#8220;Red Dust: a documentary film&#8221;A documentary film directed by Karin Mak in Mandarin and Sichuanhua with English subtitlesTrailer embedded above. Watch in full on Labournet TV here. Website here. A woman called Ren leaves beautiful rural Sichuan, China to work in a nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery factory in the city of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_18129\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"18129\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.0\" viewBox=\"0 0 502 315\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid meet\"><g transform=\"translate(0,332) scale(0.1,-0.1)\" fill=\"\" stroke=\"none\"><path d=\"M2394 3279 l-29 -30 -3 -207 c-2 -182 0 -211 15 -242 39 -76 157 -76 196 0 15 31 17 60 15 243 l-3 209 -33 29 c-26 23 -41 29 -80 29 -41 0 -53 -5 -78 -31z\"\/><path d=\"M3085 3251 c-45 -19 -58 -50 -96 -229 -47 -217 -49 -260 -13 -295 52 -53 146 -42 177 20 16 31 87 366 87 410 0 70 -86 122 -155 94z\"\/><path d=\"M1751 3234 c-13 -9 -29 -31 -37 -50 -12 -29 -10 -49 21 -204 19 -94 39 -189 45 -210 14 -50 54 -80 110 -80 34 0 48 6 76 34 21 21 34 44 34 59 0 14 -18 113 -40 219 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