Join Susan Due Pearcy on Thursday, August 29th at 7 p.m. in Speer Hall for a free presentation of “Fighting for our Lives”, her husband’s Oscar-nominated film. The documentary, produced and directed by Glen Pearcy, was created while the Pearcys were volunteers with the United Farmworkers Union at the headquarters in LaPaz, CA. The film documents the California grape strike from Coachella to Fresno, CA, as the farmworkers fought to negotiate a union contract in 1973. The film also depicts their non-violent struggle in the face of threats from the police, growers and hired goons. The film is about an hour long.
Susan will share some mementos from that time and some of the graphic art she produced for the UFW newspaper, El Malcriado, and she will entertain questions.
Location: Speer Hall, 17800 Elgin Rd. (109)
BIO:
Susan Pearcy
In 1972, Susan Due Pearcy and her husband Glen, moved to California to join Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers supporting the civil rights struggle of the farm workers. Glen was staff photographer at the UFW newspaper, El Malcriado, and Susan was the artist who created a series of fine art pieces (linocuts/woodcuts) depicting farmworkers and their movement.
Glen Pearcy was an accomplished filmmaker known for his work in social justice, labor rights, and progressive politics. In April 1972 he joined the UFW newspaper, El Malcriado, as staff photographer.
Filmmaker and Director:
Glen Pearcy directed the documentary “Fighting for Our Lives” (1975), which focused on the struggles of the United Farm Workers Movement against police brutality.
He also worked on “On Company Business” (1980), although uncredited as a director.
His commitment to social causes shines through his films.
Cinematographer:
Pearcy contributed as a cinematographer for the documentary “Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism” (2004) and the TV series “Trains Unlimited” (1997). His lens captured powerful stories and shed light on important issues.
Legacy and Impact:
Glen Pearcy’s dedication to workers’ struggles and advocacy left a lasting impact. He chose to create meaningful films rather than pursue financial gain.
Glen Pearcy’s films continue to inspire and educate, reflecting his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights. His work has been screened at the DC Labor FilmFest.
Glen worked for several years on this film,” Fighting for Our Lives”, and a short film “Why we Boycott”, both documenting the struggle of the farm workers.
Susan became an internationally known and collected artist. Glen Pearcy became an award-winning maker of films that inspire and educate, reflecting his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.