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Subjects (64)
Industry and Commerce (33)

Clothing and Textile Industries (7)

  • Cotton Mill, Treadmill
    Cotton Mill, Treadmill
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    Denys Arcand 1992 2 h 39 min
    English subtitled version of a film showing factories' shutdown. Quebec textile workers organize themselves for better, healthier working conditions while the multinationals strenghten their empire.
  • Camera on Labour No. 4
    Camera on Labour No. 4
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    Alvin Goldman 1956 13 min
    New Health Service for Garment Workers: Jointly operated by management and union, the Fashion Industries' Health Center in Montréal plays watchdog to the health of International Ladies' Garment Workers Union members through its free diagnostic service. Steelworkers Go to Press: An employee of the Stelco Steel plant in Hamilton, Cecil Lewis doubles as editor of a monthly union newspaper that keeps local members informed of union aims and activities.
  • Eye Witness No. 63
    Eye Witness No. 63
    Jack Long  &  Walford Hewitson 1954 11 min
    These vignettes from 1954 cover various aspects of life in Canada and were shown in theatres across the country. Subjects included here are: Veteran Steamer Ends Record Service: On the mountain-circled Arrow Lakes of British Columbia, the Minto, an old stern-wheeler whose service dates back to the 1890's gold rush, makes her last round of calls. Inside Story of a Lady's Mink Coat: From raw pelts to fur auction, to dressing plant to fashion designer, we follow the several stages in the manufacture of a beautiful, luxurious mink coat.
  • Fur Trade
    Fur Trade
    Laurence Hyde 1946 11 min
    This short film from 1946 presents an outline of the fur trade's history and the commercial use of fur in Canada. A thirst for fur by the kings and courts of the Old World positioned the fur trade as part of the country's industrial economy. Fur farming and conservation became increasingly important, although the lonely life of the trapper remained the same. This film offers a view of both.
  • Braid Rope?
    Braid Rope?
    Don White 1997 4 min
    How Do They Braid Rope? is a fascinating visual voyage through the twists and turns of rope-making. The How Do They...? series is comprised of short films that reveal the mysteries behind how everyday things are made. A film without words.
  • Le P’tit Canada (English Version)
    Le P’tit Canada (English Version)
    Michel Brault  &  André Gladu 1979 29 min
    This was the name given to French-Canadian neighbourhoods that sprung up around textile mills in New England. Historian Richard Santerre and the family of Rita Paquin talk about their lives and how song nights have managed to preserve a certain Quebec heritage to this day.
  • North China Factory
    North China Factory
    Tony Ianzelo  &  Boyce Richardson 1980 56 min
    This documentary from 1980 depicts a factory community in China where over 6000 workers process, spin and weave raw cotton into 90 million yards of high-quality cloth per year. Also seen are the workers' residential, social, recreational and educational facilities, all located on factory property. The film presents an engrossing study of a lifestyle that is very different from that of the Western world.

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