The Last Class is a American political economist, professor, author, and social media sensation Robert Reich teaches his final “Wealth and Poverty” class to 1,000 students at UC Berkeley, ending a 40-year career that reached 40,000 students. One thousand fill the biggest lecture hall on the UC Berkeley campus, the last class to receive Reich’s wisdom and exhortations not to accept that the world has to stay the way it is. His belief in the next generation’s ability to take on the fight is inspiring.
Preceded by the short film The Changebaker
The Changebaker – Manolo Betancur immigrated to the U.S. to chase the American dream and escape the horrors of war in Colombia, where he was a captain in the Army. He uses nightmares of the past to fuel his mission to create jobs for fellow immigrants at his bakery in North Carolina. After a string of ICE raids, the shop has become something more than just a trendy local spot for baked goods. Now, it has become a hub for local activism and a symbol of hope and resilience for the community. A sign hangs proudly at Betancur’s door for all to see: “Made in America by the Hands of Immigrants.”
Q&A following the screening!
Live music by Mike McCall before the screenings from 5:30-6:30, come early and enjoy!
Elliot Kirschner, Director, is a New York-based filmmaker and best-selling author who focuses on exploring the human element in complex systems. He previously produced the widely acclaimed Dying to Know: Ram Dass & Timothy Leary and currently creates media that bridges the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding.
Doug Gallo, Director, is a Hampton Bays-based filmmaker, audio engineer, and musician. His documentary work focuses on local stories with universal themes, drawing inspiration from his own community—including his mother’s open-water swimming group, which is the subject of West Landing.