same time. This film brings home the importance of solidarity in any

cause worth fighting."

-Steve Bognar and Julia Reichert - Award Winning filmmakers, A Lion in the House

"I previewed the film (finally) this weekend. I was completely unprepared for what is easily one of the best documentaries on any subject I've seen in a very long time. Everything about this film, including the thought-provoking ending, makes The Battle of Local 5668 a testimony to the possibility of high-quality independent filmmaking. I am completely in awe. The history and significance of Ravenswood has never been so vividly or eloquently told. Many congratulations."

-Gordon Simmons - West Virginia Cultural Association

"I thought the doc was nicely done. It really conveyed the personal touch with the filmmaker's family and community connections."

-Tommie Dell Smith - Award Winning filmmaker

Director's Statement

I was 17 in 1989 and watched Wane Weilin stop a line of tanks in the Tianneman Square riots on TV. Like so many other young people, this affected me on many different levels - the line between man and machine, the ability of man to fight, sometimes hate his fellow man, all that. Throughout college that hopelessness turned to anger and anger into inspiration.

There were many families including my own that were seriously affected by the events that happened in The Battle of Local 5668. I am privileged to be in a position to have made this film and to have been a part of this historic battle. The events moved me to action as I hope the film does for you.

The Battle of Local 5668 is an in depth, straight, journalistic account told by the men and women who were directly involved in the dispute. Even with 10 years reflection, the passion and tenacity of the steelworkers in the small town of Ravenswood WV still shocks and amazes.