NEWS

‘Revenge of the Rust belt’: Starbucks film-maker on Baristas vs Billionaires

Baristas vs. Billionaires, the acclaimed documentary from Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Mark Mori, has been featured in a major profile by The Guardian, highlighting the film's exploration of the Starbucks unionization movement and the broader resurgence of labor organizing among young workers in America.

In the article, Mori describes the movement as "the revenge of the Rust Belt," connecting today's organizing efforts to the experiences of previous generations of working-class families affected by factory closures and economic decline.

The feature examines the film's portrayal of Starbucks workers who launched a historic organizing campaign beginning in Buffalo, New York, and follows their ongoing fight for workplace representation and a first union contract.

Review from FestivalReviews.org: "Incredibly Well Done"

In a glowing new review, Andie Kay of featurereviews.org calls the documentary "eye-opening and incredibly well done," praising it as "a David and Goliath story" — "and frankly, we all want to see David win."

The review singles out Bob Judson's cinematography as "absolutely stunning," noting that "the camera work and rich tonal quality were just beautiful." But it's the subject matter that keeps viewers riveted, as more and more baristas stand together, unionize, and push toward a collective bargaining agreement — a fight that is still going on today.

Director Mark Mori on Dream It Be It: Artists Unveiled Podcast

Alec Baldwin and Director Mark Mori on the Real News Network

Alec Baldwin and Director Mark Mori on The Young Turks

Q&A with Director Mark Mori at MOCA Jacksonville

Director Mark Mori On WJCT's First Coast Connect

Watch Highlights from the Baristas vs. Billionaires World Premiere!

Watch the Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF) Panel

Baristas vs Billionaires by Mark Mori Selected for 50th Atlanta Film Festival

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We’re honored to announce that Baristas vs Billionaires is an Official Selection of the 50th Atlanta Film Festival.

This one is special.

Academy Award-nominated director Mark Mori returns to the very festival that helped launch his career—this time with a story about a new generation of workers rising up.

From being a union steelworker in Atlanta…
to premiering Building Bombs there in 1989…
to coming back for ATLFF’s 50th anniversary—

This is more than a screening. It’s a full circle moment.

Baristas vs Billionaires will be featured as a Special Presentation, spotlighting the early days of the Starbucks Workers United movement and the fight for dignity on the job. Mark Mori and producers Bob Judson and Dennis L.A. White will be in attendance

2026 Labor Oscar Awarded to Baristas vs. Billionaires

Baristas vs. Billionaires has been awarded the 2026 Labor Oscar by the Labor Heritage Foundation, following an online poll. This recognition is a powerful endorsement of the hard work, dedication, and collective effort behind the film.

The Labor Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization that celebrates and promotes the cultural heritage of the labor movement, including film, music, and the arts.

This honor reflects the growing impact of worker stories nationwide.

NYC Fundraiser Advances Grassroots Screenings of Baristas vs. Billionaires

New York, NY — Baristas vs. Billionaires held a special fundraising event in New York City, bringing together high-profile supporters and cultural allies to champion the film and the movement it documents. Guests viewed a curated set of exclusive clips created specifically for this event, highlighting the baristas who launched the Starbucks union movement in Buffalo and the nationwide fight for fair wages and working conditions.

The event raised essential funds to support the film’s grassroots distribution campaign, helping bring Baristas vs. Billionaires to communities, campuses, labor groups, and organizing spaces across the country.

The NYC fundraiser demonstrated strong public momentum behind the film and reinforced its role as a vital storytelling tool in the broader labor rights movement. Supporters who wish to help expand the film’s reach can still donate — every contribution fuels national outreach and impact.

images courtesy of Isiah Babilonia

Baristas vs Billionaires Receives Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant
for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling

We’re excited to share some big news: Baristas vs Billionaires has received the Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant for Excellence in Documentary Storytelling.

This grant helps us bring to life the story of Starbucks baristas and their fight for union rights, workplace democracy, and corporate accountability. The grant recognizes films that lift up underrepresented voices and shed light on the urgent social and economic struggles shaping our world.

We’re honored to receive this recognition!

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“The judges love your film. They think this is an excellent film with one of the best outlines and trailer they have seen recently. Your film can benefit many people and hopefully strengthen labor unions.

You are the recipient of the Carole Dorothy Joyce Excellence in Documentary Storytelling grant. Congratulations.”

— Carole Dean, President, From the Heart Productions