American Agitators

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1:42

American Agitators

Mar 2025

1h 34m

Biography

Documentary

History

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

To inspire a new generation of activists to organize for systemic change, AMERICAN AGITATORS illustrates how collective action can combat racism, bigotry, and greed. Fred Ross Sr.'s groundbreaking organizing efforts carried on and expanded upon by organizers improved the lives and livelihoods of thousands by focusing on systemic change. Telling the story of organizers and community leaders across the country will demonstrate strategies we can use to mobilize. As we witness growing and corrosive divisiveness, the lessons learned from Fred Ross Sr. and Jr., and the ways they can be applied to relieve today's injustices, are more important and relevant than ever.

Greg F

Powerful film that tells the story of Fred Ross, a man driven by a personal sense of morality and compassion. From Ross' initial exposure to the oppression Japanese Americans experienced from the imprisonment of the internment program during WWII to the labor camps of California's Central Valley, he formulated a strategy to organize people to collectively fight for improved life and work standards. The film superbly recounts Ross' one on one approach to earning community leaders' trust and enrolling voters to effect change. He described an effective labor organizer as a "social arsonist who goes around setting people on fire". He was the catalyst who trained Caesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, the activists who created the United Farmworkers Movement. This film teaches history and inspires for the future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/25

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Diane F

Excellent and important documentary about the power of organizing and building a movement. Very inspiring. Learned a lot about the California farm workers and the Fred Ross family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

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Mattie S

American Agitators is an inspiring and powerful reminder of how real change happens — through people coming together and organizing. The film beautifully highlights the legacy of Fred Ross Sr. and Jr., showing how their work still resonates today. A must-watch for anyone ready to stand up and make a difference.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/25

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Ethan v

More important & relevant than ever! Don't miss this documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/25

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Gracie S

Fantastic watch! Super inspiring!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/08/25

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Kate E

American Agitators just won Best Documentary at Cinequest in San Jose. It's exactly the right movie for our times. Fred Ross is an inspiration and the filmmakers do his work justice!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/02/25

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Raymond Telles

Director

Luis Valdez

Narrator

Raymond Telles

Producer

John Heffernan

Executive Producer

Vicente Franco

Cinematographer

Angela Reginato

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American Agitators: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

To inspire a new generation of activists to organize for systemic change, AMERICAN AGITATORS illustrates how collective action can combat racism, bigotry, and greed. Fred Ross Sr.'s groundbreaking organizing efforts carried on and expanded upon by organizers improved the lives and livelihoods of thousands by focusing on systemic change. Telling the story of organizers and community leaders across the country will demonstrate strategies we can use to mobilize. As we witness growing and corrosive divisiveness, the lessons learned from Fred Ross Sr. and Jr., and the ways they can be applied to relieve today's injustices, are more important and relevant than ever.

Director: Raymond Telles
Producer: Raymond Telles
Distributor: The Fred Ross Project
Production Co: The Fred Ross Project
Genre: Biography, Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 16, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 34m