Directed by Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director, Mark Mori
Grand Jury Prize Winner
.png)
UPCOMING SCREENINGS & EVENTS
Dryden Theatre
Rochester, NY
For one night only on Thursday, September 18, BARISTAS VS. BILLIONAIRES will screen at the Dryden Theatre as part of the George Eastman Museum's Labor Film Series. Special guests may be in attendance.
Rosendale Theater,
Rosendale, NY
For one night only on Thursday, September 24, the film will screen at the Rosendale Theater. Director Mark Mori and special guests will be in attendance.
what others are saying
“One of the most inspiring films ever made about working people in America.”
— Andy Stern
President Emeritus, SEIU
"If the inflated price tag of your Grande latte doesn’t dissuade you from stopping in at Starbucks, director Mark Mori’s lacerating documentary Baristas vs Billionaires might."
— Felicia Feaster
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Baristas vs. Billionaires is an inspiring tribute to the courage, determination, and fighting spirit of the young baristas in Buffalo who launched a nationwide movement and breathed new life into the American labor movement.”
— Gary Bonadonna Jr.
Vice President, Workers United
"Baristas vs Billionaires is the most inspirational film I have seen in a while! Young folks come together to Fight for survival and justice. It is a moving model that can play in communities and countries throughout the world. Creating the Best of Times for All at this crucial time as we all know well. Please join us in this exciting endeavor!”
— Jeffo “The Dude” Dowd
“This film is already a classic of the genre.”
— Linda Blackaby
Washington, DC International Film Festival
"Thank you to Mark Mori for making this amazing documentary, which is going to serve the cause of organizing once again all over this country. Solidarity forever."
— Dennis Kucinich
former Ohio Congressman and Mayor of Cleveland
“We’re thrilled and honored to include Baristas vs. Billionaires in our lineup.”
— Anna Scime
Executive Director,
Buffalo International Film Festival
“This is one of the most important labor battles of our time.”
— Alec Baldwin
Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning,
and Tony-nominated Actor
“Even though the Starbucks workers’ fight was so public, I had no idea of the twists and turns and heartbreak in their struggle.”
— Susan Sarandon
Academy Award® Winning Actor
“These Baristas will be remembered in the annals of labor history for their courage and for inspiring a rebirth of the American labor movement.”
— Richard Bensinger
Labor organizer
“Baristas vs. Billionaires shines through its striking cinematography and intimate, on-the-ground storytelling.”
— Selection Committee
Dances With Films
“The judges love your film. They think this is an excellent film with one of the best outlines and trailers they have seen recently.”
— Carole Dean
President, From the Heart Productions
Baristas vs Billionaires
An inspiring story of collective action against corporate power and the emotional toll of the fight for dignity and respect in the workplace.
Baristas vs Billionaires follows the fight of a handful of baristas for living wages and decent lives as they lead Starbucks Workers United (SWU) in strikes and protests against billionaire CEO Howard Schultz's scorched earth union-busting campaign, during which he has illegally fired more than 200 union organizers. But Schultz’s attempt to crush the union quickly backfires resulting in a single store’s pro-union vote in Buffalo, NY, mushrooming to 600+ union stores and 12,000 union workers.
This powerful investigative documentary explores the impact of wealth
concentration on America's working class.
Support the Grassroots Distribution of Baristas vs. Billionaires
Baristas vs. Billionaires is more than a film — it’s a movement.
Your donation helps us bring this story of courage, solidarity, and worker power directly to the people who need it most — through community screenings, union halls, campuses, and local theaters across the country.
By supporting the grassroots distribution campaign, you’re helping amplify the voices of Starbucks workers and other young organizers fighting for fair treatment and a living wage.
🎬 Join us in taking this film beyond the screen — and into the streets.
Every contribution makes a difference.
For tax-deductible donations, click "donate" below