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For many years Argentina was a poster child for the policies of Wall Street, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. But instead of the boom that was promised, their economy collapsed. Argentines stormed

supermarkets for food. The police gunned down 30 people in just one day. Where people could have turned on one another in fear and desperation, they turned to each other in mutual support.

'Que se vayan todos!' Chants echo off the skyscrapers, burst through the plazas, and clamor down the streets of Buenos Aires. 'Throw them all out!' shout legions of frustrated housewives, students, lawyers, weaving through the city on a summer evening, banging on pots and pans. These are their inspiring stories - of a failed economy and distrusted politicians, of heartache and hard times, of a resurgence of grass roots democracy, and an irrepressible spirit of community - told in colorful, resonant detail.

ARGENTINA--HOPE IN HARD TIMES joins in the processions, protests, and street-corner neighborhood assemblies, visits workers' cooperatives and urban gardens, and takes a close-up look at the ways in which Argentines are picking up the pieces of their devastated economy and creating new possibilities for the future. A spare narrative and rich location filming allow the humor strength, and resilience of the Argentine people to tell these tales. Their energy is reflected in the film's vibrant music and its lively pace; their optimism and pride in its message of hope.

"Illustrates in a beautiful and powerful way the potential in ordinary people to care for one another and to organize their resources, communities and enterprises to the benefit of all..."

David Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World, and The Post Corporate World

"For anyone who has ever felt despair or pessimism in the face of the global economy, [the film] is a powerful and inspiring antidote. A cogent critique of neo-liberalism and a

compelling alternative."

Juliet Schor, author of

The Overworked American, and

The Overspent American

"… powerful scenes and a clear

political message: even in such

difficult times there is hope of

a better world."

Arturo Santa-Cruz,

University of Guadalajara

"An eloquent and powerful film about a country and a situation few Americans know much about. It is not only educational but inspirational in its depiction of a people fighting for justice under what seem impossible circumstances."

Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States

"... panoramic shot of Argentine

activism in 2002, capturing the grass-roots power people felt as they transformed the broken pieces of their country into new opportunities. This is the best documentary yet on what was a pivotal moment in Argentina's history and should be required viewing for anyone who is interested in working for a better world."

Ben Dangl, Z Net

supermarkets for food. The police gunned down 30 people in just one day. Where people could have turned on one another in fear and desperation, they turned to each other in mutual support.