The DC Labor Filmfest and the AFL-CIO host a free screening of the 2008 International Labor Communications Association award-winning film entries Ralph Fasanella: Painter of Working Class People and If Stone Could Speak.

Ralph Fasanella: Painter
of Working Class People 
(Written and Produced by John Lett, 2007, U.S. 3:44m)
Fasanella (1914-1997) was a former union organizer and self-taught painter who produced colorful masterpieces that powerfully capture America's working class culture in the early to mid 20th century. His work uniquely showcased the life and look of urban organized labor, including local lodge meetings, strike lines, and factory floors. Controversial for its time, Fasanella's work made bold social statements bluntly advocating for civil rights and encouraging women to become labor leaders. In this web news video clip, Machinists Union video producer John Lett explores Fasanella through his artwork and interviews with family and friends.

If Stone Could Speak (Directed by Randy Croce, 2007, U.S. 60m)
In Washington, a city overflowing with stone buildings, monuments and carvings, this story of stonecutters has a special resonance. Thousands of Italian stonecutters emigrated to the United States and the documentary follows the artisans from the quarries, workshops and schools in Italy to the granite carving sheds in New England. The workers created new communities here shaped by their skills, families and class consciousness, while retaining strong ties to the old country. Through their eyes we see their handiwork all around us, as well as discover their life and death struggle with silicosis caused by their work.