“Here, the cleaning lady and the director are both workers”

Croatia, 2005. A machine tools plant is taken over by its workers. It turns into the only successful example of a factory occupation in post-socialist Europe. Ten years after this revolutionary turning point, the rebellious employee behind the occupation now strives to prevent a production shutdown. Sustainability depends on the sacrifices of the workers protecting their livelihood from the threats of a ruthless economy. For 5 years, director Srđan Kovačević follows the inside story of the people who struggle to keep the once prestigious factory running. A decade later, the question remains: can the slogan “Factory to the Workers” be kept alive, or is it just a utopian dream?

Dir. Srđan Kovačević - 106min - 2021 - Croatia

"rigorous, riveting...by establishing a solidarity agreement where all the featured subjects have a share of the film’s profit, Factory to the Workers is a rare and commendable example of a documentary that strives to be as radical as its subject." - Guardian

"Kovačević displays a sincere passion for uplifting laborers in his film through its poignant imagery and funneling of narrative. The observational style in non-fiction filmmaking often falls into practicing exploitation of those on screen, but Kovačević crafts scenes that showcase comfort and agency." - VOX Magazine

"Filming inside the factory over five years, first-time feature director Srđan Kovačević captures the complex interpersonal relationships involved in its day-to day operations. A primarily observational camera profiles skeptical floor workers and one of their leaders struggling to negotiate the needs of a disgruntled workforce" - True/False

"produced by Fade In, a Croatian collective dedicated to making social issue documentaries – is character driven, allowing the workers to speak for themselves" - Modern Times Review

"tells the inside story of the workers who challenged the dominant economic narrative with their actions" - Sheffield Doc Fest