The Hand That Feeds (2014): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2014, The Hand That Feeds is a documentary film directed by Robin Blotnick, running about 88 minutes. “Sometimes you have to make your own justice.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Behind the scenes of a popular deli on New York's Upper East Side, undocumented immigrant workers face sublegal wages, dangerous machinery, and abusive managers. Mild-mannered sandwich maker Mahoma López has never been interested in politics, but in Jan. 2012, he convinces a small group of his co-workers to fight back. Risking deportation and the loss of livelihood, the workers team up with a diverse crew of innovative young organizers and take the unusual step of forming an independent union, launching themselves on a journey that will test the limits of their resolve. In one rollercoaster year, they must overcome a shocking betrayal and a two month lockout. Lawyers will battle in backroom negotiations, Occupy Wall Street protesters will take over the restaurant, and a picket line will divide the neighborhood. If they can win a contract, it will set a historic precedent for low-wage workers across the country. But whatever happens, Mahoma and his compañeros won't be exploited again.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, The Hand That Feeds has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on OVID and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Hand That Feeds page.

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