No Sweat

Given the fact that most of the apparel industry seems to have migrated overseas, it's surprising to learn that there are still clothing manufacturers creating merchandise within the U.S. Filmmaker Amie Williams' documentary No Sweat focuses on a pair of Los Angeles-based T-shirt manufacturers and their respective troubles in trying to keep operations running without descending into sweatshops. SweatX, although financed with $2.5 million in venture capital by Ben Cohen (of Ben & Jerry's ice cream fame), finds itself struggling financially while trying to maintain a safe and humane working environment for its predominantly Latina immigrant workforce. American Apparel, on the other hand, appears to be enjoying a healthier financial picture—but its PR image is wrecked when entrepreneurial founder Dov Charney is hit with a sexual harassment lawsuit by three female former employees. Despite their serious problems, both companies are aware of the fact that they are bucking the industry tide: the competition has gone abroad because it is cheaper and easier to run a manufacturing business free of American labor laws and media snooping. Those wondering about the rarity of “Made in America” tags on clothing will find some disturbing answers in this compelling film, which presents a provocative and often troubling examination of the fragile state of apparel manufacturing today. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)