The Obamas’ First Film, “American Factory,” Debuts On Netflix

Barack and Michelle Obama made their first Hollywood debut on Wednesday by producing a documentary called “American Factory,”.

The documentary, directed by veteran independent filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert explores what befell workers of an Ohio General Motors plant that closed following the 2008 financial crisis and was later bought over by a Chinese company.

The film looks deeply at the economic and personal toll that the closure, which resulted in the loss of 2,000 jobs, had on residents of Moraine, Ohio, and at what happened after the facility was acquired by a Chinese investor in 2014.

“A good story gives you the chance to better understand someone else’s life, It can help you find common ground. And it’s why Michelle and I were drawn to Higher Ground’s first film, ‘American Factory”, Mr. Obama said on Wednesday in a tweet.

A good story gives you the chance to better understand someone else’s life. It can help you find common ground. And it’s why Michelle and I were drawn to Higher Ground’s first film, American Factory. Take a look at our conversation with the directors, and check it out on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/KzkYFqjrFV

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 21, 2019

As the documentary shows, that transition has not been smooth. Although the community initially greets the new ownership and its promise of thousands of new jobs with excitement, differences in work culture and business practices between American and Chinese workers quickly emerge.

The film is the first in a series of original releases planned by the Obamas’ new production company, Higher Ground, for Netflix under a multi-year deal with the streaming company.

In a statement issued by Netflix last year, the Obamas said they “hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”

Watch the official trailer below: