In China, there are more than 200 million people working in hazardous environments. And in a country that produces more than half of the world's cell phones, many of them are doing that hazardous work in electronics factories, often making or assembling parts for the Apple products the rest of the world relies on.
In China, there are more than 200 million people working in hazardous environments. And in a country that produces more than half of the world's cell phones, many of them are doing that hazardous work in electronics factories, often making or assembling parts for the Apple products the rest of the world relies on.
Through the crowdfunding website Indiegogo, the film makers ask you to support and donate to this film project. $ 35,000 is still needed to realize the film and promote it internationally.
Background of the Film
'Who Pays the Price? The Human Cost of Electronics' follows the stories of young Chinese workers in factories making products for the world’s leading electronics brands. Heather White and Lynn Zhang, the directors behind the film, spent the past 18 months in China documenting the chemical poisoning among workers and the serious injuries workers received during the production of cell phones. Teenage workers became gravely ill from contact with the carcinogenic chemical benzene and n-hexane, which have been widely used in the production of smart phones and other electronics. The film, shot below the radar in China offers an unprecedented opportunity to meet the young people who are paying the true cost of cheap electronics. The film documents unacceptable working conditions throughout massive electronics factories in China and the growing global movement calling for sweeping change.
The original trailer has been viewed by over a million people on YouTube, sparking a media campaign with articles in over 400 newspapers worldwide.
How You Can Help & A Gift to You
The next objective is to raise $35,000 to complete the documentary film. They have kept the production costs as low as possible and their volunteers are giving them endless hours of their time.
By joining their efforts, you will be affecting the lives of the people who make cell phones, as well as influencing major global brands to improve working conditions.
The filmmakers now have more than 120 hours of film footage and are ready to begin editing. Dozens of generous people are volunteering their time and services to get the film completed. The majority of the film’s remaining costs will be for editing, studio production, and to promote the film internationally.
The goal is to distribute the feature length version of the film worldwide so that consumers will have the opportunity to share their concerns with the companies making our mobile devices. If we all raise our voices and work together it will be possible to persuade Apple, Samsung and other brands to provide safe and healthy working conditions. Who Pays the Price? The Human Costs of Electronics is a non-profit tax deductible project of Women Make Movies.
