1 00:00:00,180 --> 00:00:04,113 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES 2 00:00:15,066 --> 00:00:19,135 The following IS NOT a movie. 3 00:00:19,350 --> 00:00:23,584 The only thing I did was switch my camera to the video mode. 4 00:00:23,746 --> 00:00:27,700 The following is our own TRUTH, inside our hearts, our being, our minds. 5 00:00:27,850 --> 00:00:32,239 In the ruins of a bad dream and in the cradle of another world. 6 00:00:32,515 --> 00:00:36,800 The following is a bottle in the sea. That of the brothers of utopia. 7 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:41,150 The following is a flaming bottle. From those that are ejected to the stars. 8 00:00:41,400 --> 00:00:46,233 The following is a bottle. Let's drink from it together, remaking the world. 9 00:00:50,800 --> 00:01:05,129 "The driving forces of the world WAKE UP FROM A DEEP SLEEP. Greece is in the centre of this violence which precedes a new world... 10 00:01:05,132 --> 00:01:18,869 ...called upon to replace the unreasonable violence of a world fascinated by the progress of self-destruction." 11 00:01:18,900 --> 00:01:24,270 Raoul Vaneigem Direct Democracy Festival Thessaloniki, September 2010 12 00:01:30,250 --> 00:01:34,046 Athens, December 6th 2012 13 00:01:46,113 --> 00:01:52,374 The thing is that the current economic situation doesn't reflect our way of life. 14 00:01:52,375 --> 00:01:56,908 It's not that we are lazy or something. We work a lot. 15 00:01:56,977 --> 00:02:01,082 According to statistics, Greeks work very hard. 16 00:02:01,191 --> 00:02:09,561 However, we are violently becoming poorer and poorer every day. 17 00:02:09,689 --> 00:02:15,840 They're trying to turn us into cheap labour. That's all. 18 00:02:20,528 --> 00:02:23,487 - Cheers! - Cheers! 19 00:02:32,909 --> 00:02:37,649 The Cradle Of Another World presents 20 00:02:38,023 --> 00:02:42,815 a film by Yannis Youlountas 21 00:02:51,650 --> 00:02:59,606 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES 22 00:03:00,450 --> 00:03:04,000 music by: 23 00:03:56,700 --> 00:04:02,399 english subtitles: www.x-pressed.org 24 00:04:02,688 --> 00:04:07,120 coordination - distribution: Maud Youlountas Loukas Youlountas 25 00:04:14,800 --> 00:04:18,841 Spring 2013 26 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:29,726 This is a social clinic. 27 00:04:30,914 --> 00:04:35,222 We offer primary healthcare services. 28 00:04:35,900 --> 00:04:44,145 The patients are half locals and half migrants, all of them without any health insurance. 29 00:04:45,259 --> 00:04:51,725 They don't have to pay anything here, neither medication nor medical examinations. 30 00:04:52,385 --> 00:04:57,502 Everybody, including doctors, volunteer so they don't get paid. 31 00:04:58,284 --> 00:05:04,593 I'm a chemistry teacher in a high school... 32 00:05:05,014 --> 00:05:08,574 ...and every Monday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm I'm here. 33 00:05:08,994 --> 00:05:12,137 I volunteer because I want to help. 34 00:05:12,729 --> 00:05:22,291 I really think that under these circumstances everybody should offer their services. 35 00:05:22,544 --> 00:05:26,950 Every day people lose their job and social insurance... 36 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:35,200 ...so whoever is able to contribute they have a duty to do so. 37 00:05:38,106 --> 00:05:39,650 I'm a pharmacist. 38 00:05:40,300 --> 00:05:43,600 I've been unemployed for the past three years... 39 00:05:43,899 --> 00:05:50,380 ...so I don't have any health insurance since I lost my job... 40 00:05:50,700 --> 00:05:56,700 ...and I'm not entitled to unemployment benefits as well. 41 00:05:59,900 --> 00:06:05,500 It's very difficult for me to find a job given the high unemployment rates in Greece. 42 00:06:06,097 --> 00:06:09,512 The number of homeless people has increased a lot. 43 00:06:09,700 --> 00:06:13,550 The image of Athens has changed a lot. 44 00:06:13,950 --> 00:06:17,099 Athens doesn't look like a European city any more. 45 00:06:19,070 --> 00:06:21,200 Yes... I would say that. 46 00:06:35,544 --> 00:06:46,260 I don't really know what I would advise someone from France or from another country to beware. 47 00:06:46,265 --> 00:06:52,268 What I know is that we keep refusing to accept what is coming... 48 00:06:52,440 --> 00:06:54,602 ...this new, this hard, "awful thing". 49 00:06:54,797 --> 00:06:56,196 Everybody did that. 50 00:06:56,197 --> 00:07:02,274 Me, my family, friends that lost their jobs, they all did that. 51 00:07:02,489 --> 00:07:08,347 What I mean is that we didn't believe that this would happen to us. 52 00:07:08,425 --> 00:07:14,100 Three years ago we didn't believe that we'd reach a point where there will be students starving... 53 00:07:14,850 --> 00:07:17,400 ...families living in warehouses... 54 00:07:19,050 --> 00:07:22,200 ...friends that had jobs and now they are unemployed... 55 00:07:22,435 --> 00:07:27,200 ...people that had bought houses and now can't pay them off... 56 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:30,205 ...engineers, lawyers, doctors. 57 00:07:30,305 --> 00:07:34,470 It's not just the working class. 58 00:07:34,609 --> 00:07:40,270 So, an advise to a French friend would be... 59 00:07:41,750 --> 00:07:47,150 "Beware... Things can happen suddenly." 60 00:07:47,469 --> 00:07:53,700 "And they can be stormy... like here in Greece." 61 00:08:08,949 --> 00:08:11,528 This isn't just a Greek problem. 62 00:08:13,155 --> 00:08:20,943 "FREE AND PUBLIC EDUCATION" 63 00:08:23,350 --> 00:08:25,930 "VICTORY TO THE TEACHERS" 64 00:08:30,450 --> 00:08:35,064 "WE WON'T ALLOW THE EXPROPIATION OF OUR DREAMS BY MODERN SLAVERY" 65 00:08:44,500 --> 00:08:48,250 We are against these policies that kill people. 66 00:09:13,500 --> 00:09:17,016 There is a lot of unemployment and we know that we won't find a job... 67 00:09:17,937 --> 00:09:21,598 ...so many young people are forced to go abroad. 68 00:09:25,313 --> 00:09:28,750 This concerns us a lot. 69 00:09:29,050 --> 00:09:33,550 It frustrates us. 70 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:41,230 But we are always hoping for the best. We live for today and we fight for tomorrow... 71 00:09:41,230 --> 00:09:43,133 ...for a better tomorrow. 72 00:10:00,456 --> 00:10:03,296 Despite the dramatic characteristics of the crisis... 73 00:10:04,834 --> 00:10:12,250 ...we can look through the problems that rose up with the crisis. 74 00:10:12,693 --> 00:10:24,419 Some serious problems that were well covered under the cloak of the pre-crisis period. 75 00:10:26,315 --> 00:10:32,579 We are in the era of a new revolution that has already started. 76 00:10:34,020 --> 00:10:41,720 Just like the French couldn't imagine that they'd live without a king on the eve of the French Revolution... 77 00:10:41,730 --> 00:10:44,893 ...but the revolutionary plan made that happen. 78 00:10:45,094 --> 00:10:53,615 Neither could they imagine that they would find themselves in a Paris Commune... 79 00:10:54,255 --> 00:10:57,165 ...and that also happened with certain planning. 80 00:10:57,765 --> 00:11:06,418 Social liberation is going to happen in the same way, through a certain plan,... 81 00:11:06,500 --> 00:11:13,569 ...which we have to elaborate as soon as possible. 82 00:11:15,585 --> 00:11:26,776 "Time was flaming harder than anywhere else. We were feeling that THE EARTH WAS SHAKING." 83 00:11:26,898 --> 00:11:30,528 Guy Debord, In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni, 1978 84 00:11:31,622 --> 00:11:35,800 The problem is that the system is based on violence. 85 00:11:36,658 --> 00:11:40,508 That's the difference between the violence of the people that revolt... 86 00:11:40,626 --> 00:11:45,396 ...and the violence of the system that exists simply because it uses violence. 87 00:11:45,903 --> 00:11:48,775 Because by force it will throw you out of your house and make you live in the street. 88 00:11:49,034 --> 00:11:53,956 It will force you out of your job using violence, it will treat you violently in school and in education. 89 00:11:54,162 --> 00:11:56,592 The whole thing is organised and based on violence. 90 00:11:56,693 --> 00:12:04,850 On the other hand, we envisage a future of peace, brotherhood and solidarity. 91 00:12:04,851 --> 00:12:13,200 We would only use violence either as an answer to all that, or in order to change the course of history. 92 00:14:13,177 --> 00:14:22,778 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES 93 00:15:09,533 --> 00:15:16,053 It happened to be a rainy day and there was a big storm, thunders and lightning. 94 00:15:17,374 --> 00:15:22,327 I know that in France or elsewhere when there's a big storm... 95 00:15:22,436 --> 00:15:26,149 ...people switch off the TV and pull the plug. 96 00:15:26,150 --> 00:15:28,600 Here in Greece we do quite the opposite. 97 00:15:30,337 --> 00:15:36,622 Most people stay at home and watch more TV. 98 00:16:37,174 --> 00:16:38,843 So, there is the TV news where... 99 00:16:38,945 --> 00:16:46,504 ...people are aware that whatever is broadcasted is in fact a lie. 100 00:16:46,525 --> 00:16:51,226 People have become suspicious and don't believe what they hear on the TV news. 101 00:16:51,427 --> 00:16:59,935 However, due to the constant repetition of the same names and the same news,... 102 00:17:00,007 --> 00:17:07,948 ...they are being brainwashed and become subject to propaganda. 103 00:17:08,179 --> 00:17:17,096 So, what remains in their subconscious is what the producer of the program wishes to remain. 104 00:17:28,775 --> 00:17:34,098 "As long as the sheep keep bleating, the wolves will keep howling." 105 00:17:35,329 --> 00:17:39,915 I have a TV, -I admit it- but I don't switch it on... 106 00:17:40,238 --> 00:17:46,138 ...and I hope we will break it with a big hummer. 107 00:17:46,930 --> 00:17:52,858 We will record the scene so as to inspire everyone else to do the same. 108 00:17:53,259 --> 00:17:59,200 Switch off the TV or even better break it, destroy it. 109 00:17:59,985 --> 00:18:01,550 It's an addiction! 110 00:18:01,800 --> 00:18:06,508 There is no television here. There is a piano! 111 00:18:13,938 --> 00:18:15,634 BREAK THE TV! 112 00:19:09,618 --> 00:19:11,578 "My brother..." 113 00:19:12,502 --> 00:19:15,519 "...don't shed your tears..." 114 00:19:17,853 --> 00:19:23,312 "...and don't give up your dreams." 115 00:19:25,362 --> 00:19:30,993 "Don't follow their orders..." 116 00:19:32,858 --> 00:19:38,200 "...and don't you ever become a slave." 117 00:19:43,905 --> 00:19:47,850 There is enough money for bullets but not for education and healthcare. 118 00:19:55,583 --> 00:20:02,506 "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES!" 119 00:20:02,835 --> 00:20:09,224 "Let's hold our heads up high!" 120 00:20:10,742 --> 00:20:17,529 "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES!" 121 00:20:18,289 --> 00:20:24,210 "Let's hold our heads up high!" 122 00:20:33,218 --> 00:20:36,792 COPS - PIGS - MURDERERS! 123 00:20:37,115 --> 00:20:40,402 COPS - PIGS - MURDERERS! 124 00:20:40,897 --> 00:20:44,399 COPS - PIGS - MURDERERS! 125 00:20:52,870 --> 00:20:57,027 "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES" 126 00:20:58,803 --> 00:21:05,257 "We are not afraid of ruins because we also know how TO BUILD." 127 00:21:05,258 --> 00:21:13,012 "The bourgeoisie may as well ruin its own world, before it is leaving the stage of history. We carry a new world in our hearts." 128 00:21:13,073 --> 00:21:15,553 Buenaventura Durruti, Madrid front, 1936 129 00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:20,550 We all suffer because we are all part of the society but the question is what do we do. 130 00:21:20,792 --> 00:21:25,393 Do you keep your head down or do you stand up and take the first step? 131 00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:35,744 Perhaps people need a shock in order to look further. 132 00:21:37,323 --> 00:21:42,119 Let's shock them with our manners, by setting an example. 133 00:21:42,120 --> 00:21:50,600 With projects that can make our life simpler, easier and more substantial. 134 00:21:52,202 --> 00:21:59,093 With our actions of solidarity towards other people and within our neighbourhoods. 135 00:21:59,446 --> 00:22:08,649 I think that's the way people can stand up and look further. 136 00:22:11,494 --> 00:22:15,795 Self-organisation is a way of resistance. 137 00:22:17,052 --> 00:22:22,113 We can rebuild the structures that are being destroyed one after the other by the state... 138 00:22:22,841 --> 00:22:26,885 ...and get them back again, since everything has been built by us anyway. 139 00:22:27,386 --> 00:22:32,009 So we can rebuild them, like Durruti has said. 140 00:22:33,673 --> 00:22:40,264 We can do self-organised social projects within our neighbourhoods. 141 00:22:43,300 --> 00:22:49,374 These are ways of substantial resistance because it's not only theory, it is real action. 142 00:22:49,550 --> 00:22:54,871 To approach people that are not ideologically close to us, we need action. 143 00:22:54,873 --> 00:22:59,576 These people are tired of just words they want to see real action. 144 00:22:59,768 --> 00:23:03,200 They might then understand and converge ideologically, as it has actually happened. 145 00:23:04,759 --> 00:23:10,761 We are located in Ilioupoli in the north suburbs of Athens,... 146 00:23:10,762 --> 00:23:14,175 ...in the free social space "Synergio". 147 00:23:14,176 --> 00:23:20,023 The free social space "Synergio" is a place where free citizens can discuss and cooperate. 148 00:23:20,524 --> 00:23:28,585 We are active within our local society and elsewhere, taking part in every issue that concerns our society. 149 00:23:28,687 --> 00:23:33,692 Apart from that, there are many activities that take place in "Synergio",... 150 00:23:33,793 --> 00:23:40,195 ...such as Spanish classes and creative workshops,... 151 00:23:40,595 --> 00:23:46,327 ...by which knowledge is spread in a collaborative and collective manner. 152 00:23:46,400 --> 00:23:51,400 This place used to be an auto repair shop (called "synergio" in Greek). 153 00:23:51,450 --> 00:23:57,440 So, we decided to call our free space "Synergio" (literally means "co-work")... 154 00:23:57,465 --> 00:24:04,399 ...as a way to express the collective manner in which we operate. 155 00:24:04,567 --> 00:24:10,936 It's important for us to transform social movements into self-organised social projects. 156 00:24:10,937 --> 00:24:22,348 Free spaces like these can evolve into cooperatives and can set new conditions of living... 157 00:24:22,349 --> 00:24:26,071 ...so as people who take part in these cooperatives or communities... 158 00:24:26,087 --> 00:24:28,850 ...could live their lives under such new conditions. 159 00:24:28,950 --> 00:24:31,707 Not just by substituting the state... 160 00:24:31,859 --> 00:24:36,115 ...but by creating autonomous and self-instituted structures in the city. 161 00:24:36,400 --> 00:24:44,704 We get our products from various cooperatives from Greece and abroad. 162 00:24:44,905 --> 00:24:49,654 For example from Zapatistas or from the Brazilian Movement Without Land (Movimento dos Sem Terra)... 163 00:24:49,955 --> 00:24:54,432 ...as a way to show them our active support. 164 00:24:55,004 --> 00:25:03,916 At the same time, there are products such as soaps, candles or jewels,... 165 00:25:03,917 --> 00:25:09,159 ...that are made and distributed by groups here in "Synergeio"... 166 00:25:09,261 --> 00:25:14,760 ...as their first attempt to go into production. 167 00:25:15,610 --> 00:25:22,572 We are both chemists, we took some lessons here and we've learned how to make olive oil soaps. 168 00:25:22,573 --> 00:25:29,540 Our goal is to increase our production so as to create a job for ourselves... 169 00:25:29,541 --> 00:25:33,383 ...since our sector faces a lot of unemployment in Greece... 170 00:25:33,384 --> 00:25:43,558 ...and distribute our products to collective networks, such as Zapatistas. 171 00:25:44,715 --> 00:25:50,130 The idea is to create a different society in which labour will be important... 172 00:25:50,171 --> 00:25:52,348 ...but human beings will be more important. 173 00:25:52,449 --> 00:25:54,219 So that we don't live like slaves. 174 00:25:55,091 --> 00:25:58,533 Some time ago, I remember it was Sunday around 4:00 in the morning,... 175 00:25:58,535 --> 00:26:03,738 ...we were attacked by fascists. 176 00:26:04,139 --> 00:26:08,697 You can see the evidence up there in the wall. 177 00:26:09,198 --> 00:26:13,679 Fortunately there was a comrade inside "Synergeio" at that time. 178 00:26:14,237 --> 00:26:17,160 He managed to put the fire out along with the fire brigade... 179 00:26:17,161 --> 00:26:19,165 ...and we didn't have further problems. 180 00:26:23,673 --> 00:26:26,800 After a while there was a second attack. 181 00:26:27,069 --> 00:26:32,546 There were fifteen motorbikes with thirty persons on them. 182 00:26:33,152 --> 00:26:38,509 They wanted to intimidate us but there was a direct response... 183 00:26:38,510 --> 00:26:41,736 ...from many people who gathered here showing their solidarity. 184 00:26:42,123 --> 00:26:47,784 So we prevented the attack and we headed them off from future attempts. 185 00:26:50,708 --> 00:26:54,979 This is dedicated to the audience of "Radio Entasi" 186 00:26:55,398 --> 00:26:57,307 We're going to listen to a song by "Alpha Bang"... 187 00:26:57,616 --> 00:27:01,123 ..."Pira mia mera tis zois mou to dromo" (I took my life's path one day). 188 00:27:34,262 --> 00:27:35,262 R 189 00:27:35,262 --> 00:27:36,262 R E 190 00:27:36,262 --> 00:27:37,262 R E S 191 00:27:37,262 --> 00:27:38,262 R E S I 192 00:27:38,262 --> 00:27:39,262 R E S I S 193 00:27:39,262 --> 00:27:40,262 R E S I S T 194 00:27:40,262 --> 00:27:41,262 R E S I S T A 195 00:27:41,262 --> 00:27:42,262 R E S I S T A N 196 00:27:42,262 --> 00:27:43,262 R E S I S T A N C 197 00:27:43,262 --> 00:27:44,262 R E S I S T A N C E 198 00:27:44,262 --> 00:27:45,262 R E S I S T A N C E . 199 00:27:45,262 --> 00:27:46,262 R E S I S T A N C E . . 200 00:27:46,262 --> 00:27:50,762 R E S I S T A N C E . . . 201 00:28:09,900 --> 00:28:12,077 "SOCIAL KITCHEN - FREE FOOD FOR ALL" 202 00:28:12,078 --> 00:28:14,905 We are the mobile social kitchen "The other human". 203 00:28:16,478 --> 00:28:20,550 Our purpose is to cook every day out in the streets... 204 00:28:21,451 --> 00:28:26,999 ...and eat together with our fellow humans. 205 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:33,163 The meals are free for everybody, whether unemployed or homeless, or even those who are not in need. 206 00:28:50,363 --> 00:28:52,122 "The other human" is all of us. 207 00:28:52,173 --> 00:28:55,778 In every neighbourhood there are people who are hungry. 208 00:28:55,879 --> 00:28:58,925 It's not nice to just give them food and then go... 209 00:28:59,126 --> 00:29:01,483 ...because they might be offended and throw it back to you. 210 00:29:01,912 --> 00:29:05,200 You better invite them to eat together. 211 00:29:08,676 --> 00:29:14,042 I came from Germany nine years ago in order to live in Greece. 212 00:29:14,607 --> 00:29:20,781 I first came on holidays, I liked it, so I moved permanently. 213 00:29:21,710 --> 00:29:24,262 It's been five years since I last visited Germany. 214 00:29:24,389 --> 00:29:29,947 I don't really like it there, I'm fine here. 215 00:29:30,704 --> 00:29:37,601 At first it was very nice, but now the crisis has stricken... 216 00:29:37,803 --> 00:29:42,212 ...and many Greek people go abroad. 217 00:29:42,413 --> 00:29:49,685 To Germany, France or other countries, where life seams better to them... 218 00:29:49,864 --> 00:29:53,404 ...more convenient or wealthier. 219 00:29:55,190 --> 00:29:59,146 They call me crazy because I'm still here... 220 00:30:00,572 --> 00:30:07,503 And it might have been easier for me if I went back home, but I don't want to. 221 00:30:08,017 --> 00:30:12,796 And I refuse to be forced to go away from the place I have chosen to live... 222 00:30:13,583 --> 00:30:16,123 ...and where I have the freedom I want. 223 00:30:16,407 --> 00:30:18,405 From the place where I can live the way I want... 224 00:30:19,392 --> 00:30:23,910 ...doing exactly what I like and what makes me complete,... 225 00:30:23,945 --> 00:30:33,499 ...such as playing the accordion on the street or making jewels. 226 00:30:33,500 --> 00:30:36,964 So I'll stay here for as long as I like. 227 00:31:20,403 --> 00:31:25,488 We are at "Doc4life". 228 00:31:25,588 --> 00:31:34,280 We are a press agency, different from other agencies. 229 00:31:34,795 --> 00:31:38,780 We are a self-organised cooperative. 230 00:31:39,534 --> 00:31:58,321 We are a group of 23 people, photographers, filmmakers, journalists, translators, IT technicians etc. 231 00:31:58,350 --> 00:32:04,987 We are self-organised and independent. In that way, we feel better and we are more productive. 232 00:32:05,418 --> 00:32:07,955 It depends on us exclusively. 233 00:32:07,955 --> 00:32:13,780 Our main concern is to give our clients utmost professional services. 234 00:32:13,990 --> 00:32:16,100 That's what we want to offer. 235 00:32:17,231 --> 00:32:29,629 "We are treated like guinea-pigs. It's a new stage of capitalism that is being tested on us by some 'magicians' before they spread it across the continent." 236 00:32:29,632 --> 00:32:44,131 "They test our ability to survive, increasing the hardships. We must revolt, escape, dream and create alternatives. If they manage to knock us down, YOU WILL BE NEXT." 237 00:32:44,250 --> 00:32:47,400 Leonidas - student (injured from a stun grenade, 2013) 238 00:34:32,554 --> 00:34:36,474 Thessaloniki, May 2013 239 00:34:36,900 --> 00:34:42,978 The privatisation of the water company to the 'Suez' company has started. 240 00:34:45,388 --> 00:34:54,900 This means that the 90% of our body that comprises of water is at stake. 241 00:34:56,344 --> 00:35:09,750 Namely, something that directly concerns our own life will be under the management of speculators. 242 00:35:11,100 --> 00:35:19,850 They want to control our life completely. 243 00:35:21,418 --> 00:35:24,333 We are located in Thessaloniki, northern Greece. 244 00:35:24,394 --> 00:35:28,104 We are the open network of citizens and organisations called "Save Greek Water". 245 00:35:28,305 --> 00:35:33,257 We're trying to save the water of the city, namely keep it under public control... 246 00:35:33,458 --> 00:35:37,201 ...because the government has already turned it into a private monopoly. 247 00:35:37,358 --> 00:35:41,100 The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) has already launched the tender process... 248 00:35:41,200 --> 00:35:44,924 ...for the privatisation of the 51% of the Thessaloniki Water Supply & Sewerage SA (EYATH). 249 00:35:45,320 --> 00:35:48,962 It will probably be bought by 'Suez'. 250 00:35:49,400 --> 00:35:54,196 Thousands of households in Greece are left without electricity every month. 251 00:35:54,200 --> 00:35:58,341 When the water is privatised, the same will happen to households, schools and hospitals. 252 00:35:58,442 --> 00:36:01,600 We are determined not to allow this to happen. 253 00:36:31,759 --> 00:36:35,706 VIO.ME. WORKERS' UNION 254 00:36:39,555 --> 00:36:43,444 "WE CAN MANAGE WITHOUT A BOSS" "For the self-management of work and society" 255 00:36:44,800 --> 00:36:47,740 We are located at the factory of VIO.ME. 256 00:36:47,741 --> 00:36:55,925 The factory was abandoned by its owners in July 2011 and left to its fate. 257 00:36:55,926 --> 00:37:02,052 The workers' union took the initiative to operate it under their control... 258 00:37:02,053 --> 00:37:06,422 ...and the workers' general assembly adopted the framework of its operation. 259 00:37:07,023 --> 00:37:13,311 We must stress that from the very first moment of the establishment of VIO.ME's solidarity committee... 260 00:37:13,412 --> 00:37:23,680 ...many autonomous social spaces and groups offered their assistance. 261 00:37:23,981 --> 00:37:33,567 And without the support of this solidarity committee we wouldn't have found the courage to do anything. 262 00:37:33,568 --> 00:37:35,962 With their support we found the courage to continue. 263 00:37:35,963 --> 00:37:47,693 Up to now they support us by letting us distribute our products inside their spaces. 264 00:37:47,694 --> 00:38:01,830 We mostly exchange our products with other goods under the rules of barter economy... 265 00:38:02,453 --> 00:38:12,594 ...and we couldn't have done it without the support of these social spaces and groups. 266 00:38:14,713 --> 00:38:29,087 "To envisage a different economy, different social relations, different modes and means of production and different ways of life, is regarded 'unrealistic', as if a society based on commodities, wages and money were insurmountable." 267 00:38:29,088 --> 00:38:36,881 "In reality, a multitude of convergent sings suggest that the OVERCOMING of that society is ALREADY UNDER WAY." 268 00:38:36,922 --> 00:38:40,897 Andre Gorz, The Exit from Capitalism, 2007 269 00:38:42,226 --> 00:38:46,285 We are located at "Micropratirio Syntrofia", located at the free social space "Micropolis" 270 00:38:46,360 --> 00:38:50,918 "Micropolis" is a free social space in Thessaloniki, northern Greece. 271 00:38:52,330 --> 00:39:01,859 "Syntrofia" is an economic structure of solidarity economy spreading in our country in recent years. 272 00:39:01,885 --> 00:39:05,433 Basically, it's a cooperative involved in food. 273 00:39:05,534 --> 00:39:12,569 One of our main purposes is to establish a direct connection between producers and consumers... 274 00:39:12,570 --> 00:39:18,261 ...through which they will develop other relationships. 275 00:39:19,742 --> 00:39:29,365 We operate as a cooperative, i.e. an open assembly makes all the decisions. 276 00:39:29,782 --> 00:39:39,058 The assembly is open to every producer, consumer, or anyone who would like to take part. 277 00:39:39,359 --> 00:39:49,610 There are informal meetings of people working here about the current business of "Syntrofia". 278 00:39:50,464 --> 00:39:57,487 The jobs here are alternate, i.e. every now and then we make an open call to people who'd like to work here. 279 00:39:57,750 --> 00:40:08,968 Local and ecological products, as well as fair working relations, are some of our principles. 280 00:40:10,154 --> 00:40:14,393 This is just one of the five structures of "Micropolis". 281 00:40:15,611 --> 00:40:25,725 There is also a restaurant, a playground, a bookshop, a photocopy shop and a furniture manufacturing team. 282 00:40:26,109 --> 00:40:28,682 All of them operate within the framework of social and solidarity economy. 283 00:40:28,783 --> 00:40:34,431 We're trying to establish fair and equal conditions of living. 284 00:40:34,636 --> 00:40:37,849 "GIVE-AWAY BAZAAR" 285 00:40:45,781 --> 00:40:50,473 We are located at "School of learning freedom"; a free social space. 286 00:40:50,474 --> 00:41:00,845 Our purpose is to show that knowledge should be free and accessible to everyone. 287 00:41:01,546 --> 00:41:05,330 But also, that the way we manage knowledge is of equal importance. 288 00:41:06,919 --> 00:41:16,500 Here, we give free lessons of foreign languages, martial arts as well as art lessons. 289 00:41:16,800 --> 00:41:21,900 It's an example of how our society could be in the future. 290 00:41:21,950 --> 00:41:37,924 You have the opportunity to learn foreign languages, to buy biological products, to get organised. 291 00:41:38,574 --> 00:41:47,045 Here, you can get information about whatever concerns the movement, such as demonstrations or other activities. 292 00:41:48,044 --> 00:42:00,171 You have the chance to discuss these issues or take initiatives, so as to be part of the movement yourself. 293 00:42:00,572 --> 00:42:19,633 The only way for creating a fair, equal and free society is resistance towards the system and solidarity. 294 00:42:53,569 --> 00:43:00,254 I am one of the fifteen antifascists who were arrested during an antifascist demonstration... 295 00:43:00,255 --> 00:43:05,135 ...that took place in one of the tougher neighbourhoods in the centre of Athens... 296 00:43:05,136 --> 00:43:11,311 ...where the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn has repeatedly attacked migrants. 297 00:43:13,177 --> 00:43:21,516 We deliberately chose to demonstrate in that area, so as to pass the message that they don't own these streets,... 298 00:43:21,787 --> 00:43:27,346 ...that we won't tolerate xenophobia and racism in our society... 299 00:43:28,225 --> 00:43:36,768 ...and so as to express our solidarity and support to the migrants that live there. 300 00:43:38,200 --> 00:43:45,506 During a clash with Golden Dawn supporters the police came immediately... 301 00:43:46,276 --> 00:43:51,154 ...-unlike what happens when migrants are being attacked by fascists-... 302 00:43:51,811 --> 00:43:53,895 ...and they arrested fifteen of us. 303 00:43:54,493 --> 00:44:02,703 We almost went to prison, because of the huge bail amounts set by the Greek state. 304 00:44:03,175 --> 00:44:12,430 And we're free thanks to the enormous solidarity movement that emerged across Europe... 305 00:44:13,741 --> 00:44:18,200 ...which helped us collect the amount of 45.000 euros for the bail within a month. 306 00:44:22,394 --> 00:44:26,299 "FASCISM WANTS YOU TO BE A SLAVE" 307 00:44:26,350 --> 00:44:30,220 "HUNT DOWN THE FASCISTS" 308 00:44:34,150 --> 00:44:37,600 "FASCISM NEVER AGAIN" 309 00:44:37,630 --> 00:44:41,000 "EXECUTE THE FASCISTS" 310 00:44:41,050 --> 00:44:53,200 KICK THE NEONAZIS OUT" 311 00:44:55,103 --> 00:44:57,800 "SAY NO TO FASCISM" 312 00:44:57,850 --> 00:45:00,096 "KICK FASCISTS OUT OF SCHOOLS" 313 00:45:00,600 --> 00:45:05,179 Europe knows very well what fascism means. 314 00:45:05,658 --> 00:45:15,386 It's not something new and we know what will happen if we are not careful. 315 00:45:16,236 --> 00:45:26,048 Those that now invoke freedom of speech are the ones that were exiling or jailing dissidents. 316 00:45:26,488 --> 00:45:30,417 The ones that deny dialectics and dialogue. 317 00:45:31,810 --> 00:45:40,491 We must stand against these people and stop them. 318 00:45:42,303 --> 00:45:56,232 Here in Exarcheia the fascists don't come, because they'll be recognized and they'll end up naked and beaten. 319 00:45:56,645 --> 00:46:07,121 For example, last summer a fascist came, and while chasing him in order to stop him... 320 00:46:07,260 --> 00:46:13,015 ...his clothes were torn and he left naked. 321 00:46:19,000 --> 00:46:22,592 Under these conditions of a deepening crisis and growing inequalities... 322 00:46:23,096 --> 00:46:37,363 ...fascism appears as the ideology that can pull people who suffer out of the mire. 323 00:46:37,364 --> 00:46:45,700 It's the easiest thing to say or do, namely to blame the others. 324 00:46:46,514 --> 00:46:56,000 Fascists could easily speak even for direct democracy just because it comes from ancient Greece. 325 00:46:56,711 --> 00:46:59,894 They might even claim that they are anti-capitalists. 326 00:47:00,233 --> 00:47:13,614 They borrow any ideology in order to attract people. Historically, they have always done that. 327 00:47:14,517 --> 00:47:29,350 Metaphorically speaking fascism is like a wolf in sheep's clothing in order to eat them all. 328 00:47:30,081 --> 00:47:40,605 They wear a flag and disguise as patriots, so as to subjugate people under an awful slavery. 329 00:47:42,097 --> 00:47:52,230 Unfortunately, it's rising both in Greece and in France, but it's always the same; a wolf in sheep's clothing. 330 00:47:53,031 --> 00:47:58,254 Fascism wears various masks in Greece, in France or elsewhere. 331 00:47:58,255 --> 00:48:02,239 but its face is the same. Beware! 332 00:48:04,384 --> 00:48:10,509 EXARCHEIA An antifascist area, a nursery of utopias in the heart of Athens. 333 00:48:10,923 --> 00:48:16,312 I'd like to think of Exarcheia as the symbol of resistance across Europe. 334 00:48:17,517 --> 00:48:25,535 I don't know if a utopia has been born here, but if a utopia is to be born this will happen here too. 335 00:48:25,904 --> 00:48:33,606 I came here to Exarcheia. I have problem with my papers sometime now... 336 00:48:33,609 --> 00:48:37,020 ...but I'm welcome here. 337 00:48:37,355 --> 00:48:39,920 There is freedom here and community life. 338 00:48:40,036 --> 00:48:45,307 There is no race, colour or nationality discrimination. 339 00:48:45,681 --> 00:48:51,853 In a way, you can feel like home. People will gladly accept you here. 340 00:48:51,930 --> 00:48:53,720 That's what I like here. 341 00:48:53,812 --> 00:49:01,006 The police does not bother you here. They don't check your papers all the time. 342 00:49:01,257 --> 00:49:03,793 In my opinion, it's the best place in Greece. 343 00:49:04,276 --> 00:49:08,368 It's great. Maybe it's a utopia! 344 00:49:53,779 --> 00:49:56,380 Exarcheia is a historic area. 345 00:49:56,773 --> 00:50:03,540 The Greek military junta collapsed after an uprising at the Polytechnic school here in Exarcheia. Many other uprisings have also started here. 346 00:50:03,594 --> 00:50:19,225 There are a lot of leftists and anarchists here that act through various communities and collectives. 347 00:50:19,260 --> 00:50:27,719 That's why Exarcheia is a politically mobilised area. 348 00:50:28,447 --> 00:50:33,479 Most bookshops and publishing houses are here in Exarcheia. 349 00:50:34,080 --> 00:50:43,181 That's because many universities are located nearby and so is knowledge. 350 00:50:44,389 --> 00:50:54,587 We are a self-organised publishing house, involving publication, trading, bookshop etc. 351 00:50:55,763 --> 00:51:03,944 It's a self-organised cooperative, which means that an assembly makes every decision. 352 00:51:05,704 --> 00:51:14,850 Our publishing house and "Babylonia" magazine aims at the preservation of quality in written language... 353 00:51:15,060 --> 00:51:18,526 ...and at the diffusion of radical ideas in society. 354 00:51:18,961 --> 00:51:22,477 "Babylonia" magazine in particular, is concerned mainly with the movement... 355 00:51:22,579 --> 00:51:29,582 ...and the diffusion of a modern anti-authoritarian speech in the society. 356 00:51:30,300 --> 00:51:37,391 After you cross Solonos street the air changes; there is a breeze of freedom. 357 00:51:37,927 --> 00:51:42,346 That's what we had written once in an article about Exarcheia. 358 00:51:44,218 --> 00:51:53,411 Exarcheia has always been the core of resistance in Greece. 359 00:51:53,859 --> 00:51:55,855 That's why the air changes here. 360 00:51:59,223 --> 00:52:05,200 Fascists and racists don't come to Exarcheia, because they are afraid of anarchists. 361 00:52:35,580 --> 00:52:39,009 "RESISTANCE - SELF-ORGANISATION - SOLIDARITY" 362 00:52:56,261 --> 00:53:04,158 "Nosotros" is a free social space that promotes freedom and self-organisation,... 363 00:53:04,600 --> 00:53:12,240 ...both necessary for people in order to move on. 364 00:53:12,700 --> 00:53:18,067 People here help you learn the language. I attend free lessons every day. 365 00:53:18,169 --> 00:53:20,154 They offer us food for free. 366 00:53:20,755 --> 00:53:25,150 I like it here. It's the best place! 367 00:53:27,479 --> 00:53:36,529 "I'm not saying that the constitution of ancient Athens's city-state is a model. That would be madness." 368 00:53:36,540 --> 00:53:56,000 I'm just saying that it's A SEED, from which we can be inspired in order to try to think in a different way our relation with the law, the community, the power." 369 00:53:56,020 --> 00:53:59,000 Cornelius Castoriadis, Interview with Chris Marker, 1989 370 00:53:59,680 --> 00:54:07,549 Here in Exarcheia we have taken the initiative to create an assembly... 371 00:54:08,879 --> 00:54:19,676 ...in which the residents, the collectives and the free social spaces of Exarcheia participate. 372 00:54:20,792 --> 00:54:31,956 We discuss and make decisions, using anonymity and unanimity; mainly unanimity. 373 00:54:33,486 --> 00:54:41,310 We use direct democracy if it's necessary. 374 00:54:42,356 --> 00:54:52,400 But it hasn't happened until now; we usually come to an agreement. 375 00:54:53,124 --> 00:55:01,952 Thus, we decided to start the self-organised grocery store "Zikos". 376 00:55:02,739 --> 00:55:06,700 "Zikos" is a structure we started here in Exarcheia. 377 00:55:09,604 --> 00:55:20,042 It's a market without intermediaries, where small producers from all over the country are involved. 378 00:55:21,075 --> 00:55:28,656 Both the producers and the organisers take part in the assemblies. 379 00:55:29,000 --> 00:55:35,818 Namely the structure is horizontal not vertical. 380 00:55:36,750 --> 00:55:39,200 As it should be; We are all equal. 381 00:55:42,500 --> 00:55:55,600 The greatest thing, small producers that didn't know us, came in contact with us and asked for our help... 382 00:55:56,000 --> 00:56:04,640 ...in order to show them how they can operate in a horizontal structure without hierarchies. 383 00:56:04,645 --> 00:56:11,300 It's so great that people, who aren't anarchists or anti-authoritarians,... 384 00:56:11,313 --> 00:56:16,750 ...realise that these structures are the proper ones. 385 00:56:17,300 --> 00:56:25,891 We have also decided to start a self-organised health structure. 386 00:56:26,263 --> 00:56:34,328 We organised some fundraising festivals. 387 00:56:34,329 --> 00:56:50,319 We placed financial aid kits here in Nosotros, in K-Vox and in other social spaces in Exarcheia. 388 00:56:51,597 --> 00:57:00,487 We are at the occupied social space K-Vox, functioning for 13 months in an old coffee shop. 389 00:57:00,488 --> 00:57:03,243 Anarchists and anti-authoritarians have occupied it. 390 00:57:03,644 --> 00:57:14,542 In the basement, various events take place, such as theatrical performances, meetings etc. 391 00:57:14,560 --> 00:57:20,053 In the ground floor there is a cafeteria and a library. 392 00:57:20,054 --> 00:57:27,765 With the cafeteria's revenues we support the political prisoners and the prosecuted activists in Greece. 393 00:57:28,873 --> 00:57:36,258 Apart from theatrical performances, movie shootings and photo exhibitions take place here as well. 394 00:57:36,259 --> 00:57:48,103 But what's most important for me, as a paediatrician, is the social health centre, which is going to operate here in K-Vox. 395 00:57:48,104 --> 00:58:00,335 The idea of helping people, especially children, regarding their health keeps me here. 396 00:58:01,553 --> 00:58:11,431 "As with the rice so with words, everything is patented. NOTHING IS FOR FREE ANYMORE." 397 00:58:11,432 --> 00:58:21,946 "'For free' is considered scandalous nowadays. It's absolutely illegal, since it's actually subversive." 398 00:58:21,982 --> 00:58:24,956 Sergio Ghirardi "We are not afraid of ruins", 2003 399 00:58:28,650 --> 00:58:32,035 So, this space is called "Skoros" (moth). 400 00:58:32,100 --> 00:58:37,246 The initial idea was that it's better to bring old cloths here, for someone who might need them... 401 00:58:37,247 --> 00:58:41,732 ...instead of keeping them in a closet only to be eaten by moths. 402 00:58:42,100 --> 00:58:43,643 That is why we called it "Skoros". 403 00:58:44,000 --> 00:58:49,990 Here at 'Scoros', you can bring anything that you don't use, anything that you don't need... 404 00:58:50,457 --> 00:58:57,700 ...you can leave it, and, if you want, you can take things from the shop without money. 405 00:58:58,000 --> 00:59:06,650 The tendency of this space is not charity but the creation of a solidarity way of exchange. 406 00:59:06,660 --> 00:59:14,981 The ideological framework has been that people should extricate themselves from consumerism. 407 00:59:14,981 --> 00:59:18,717 That's why on the store-front we have written "Criticise consumerism". 408 00:59:19,300 --> 00:59:26,208 People have to stop buying new stuff all the time, stuff that will be thrown away -some even with the labels on. 409 00:59:27,045 --> 00:59:30,785 Yes, along with the crisis, in Greece there has also been a crisis in the meaning of things. 410 00:59:31,012 --> 00:59:35,830 People have lost sight of the traditions, of what the standard has been up to today... 411 00:59:36,115 --> 00:59:40,073 ...and are trying to add new meaning to their life. 412 00:59:42,203 --> 00:59:47,650 We see more and more people turning towards ways... 413 00:59:48,150 --> 00:59:53,389 ...that we have always referred to, but now are becoming mainstream. 414 00:59:54,114 --> 00:59:59,928 People are turning towards horizontal structures; structures and actions of solidarity. 415 01:00:01,900 --> 01:00:12,048 The point is that all this should not be limited only to Exarheia, to the present, to Greece. 416 01:00:12,414 --> 01:00:14,964 In general, whatever does not evolve, ends up dying. 417 01:00:15,300 --> 01:00:25,581 And the goal of such moves is to be preserved even after the crisis -if it actually goes away-... 418 01:00:25,582 --> 01:00:35,250 ...and to affect more people so that they realize that they can survive on their own... 419 01:00:35,252 --> 01:00:39,247 ...without the stereotypes that, intentionally or not, have been forced on them. 420 01:00:40,504 --> 01:00:47,830 The October Revolution essentially failed because there was no other revolution in Europe. 421 01:00:48,587 --> 01:00:56,389 if an equivalent revolution were to happen somewhere else -because we are hopefully starting a revolution here- 422 01:00:56,860 --> 01:01:00,593 Then, there would be hope. 423 01:01:01,859 --> 01:01:14,228 "Slaves, let us not curse life THE TRUE LIFE IS ABSENT, We are not in this world." Arthur Rimbaud, A Season in Hell, 1873 424 01:01:14,755 --> 01:01:18,285 I don't know what is the true life, but I do know what is not. 425 01:01:19,077 --> 01:01:26,826 Certainly, true life is not spending 10 hours in a factory pushing the same button. 426 01:01:26,827 --> 01:01:35,952 And it's not clubbing til 10 o'clock in the morning. 427 01:01:36,855 --> 01:01:38,923 True life is about something else. 428 01:01:39,500 --> 01:01:46,653 So if we stop doing the things that are not true life, we can come closer to what true life really is about. 429 01:01:46,998 --> 01:01:55,362 We need more self-confidence and compassion which we have totally lost... 430 01:01:55,494 --> 01:02:03,428 ...because we have lost our morality, our conscience which is not free anymore. 431 01:02:03,884 --> 01:02:09,295 We shouldn't follow the norms that are being socially constructed for us. 432 01:02:09,296 --> 01:02:15,009 There is a stereotype from school and our studies to work, our relationships... 433 01:02:15,585 --> 01:02:17,674 ...that we should be and behave in a certain way. 434 01:02:17,920 --> 01:02:22,243 Everything that we buy brings us more responsibilities that we don't need. 435 01:02:23,220 --> 01:02:26,797 First, we need to free ourselves. 436 01:02:27,200 --> 01:02:33,069 This is the beginning for us to grow within our society and become free. 437 01:02:33,100 --> 01:02:43,150 Everyone should be their own boss, and fight the urge of always wanting more stuff. 438 01:02:43,800 --> 01:02:49,293 You have to spend so many hours working hard in order to buy a nice car... 439 01:02:49,294 --> 01:02:53,100 ...that no matter how fast you get to work will not help you win back this time. 440 01:02:54,500 --> 01:02:56,500 So this time is lost anyway. 441 01:02:57,800 --> 01:03:03,550 "Work kills, work pays." 442 01:03:03,941 --> 01:03:09,410 "Time is bought in the supermarket." 443 01:03:09,826 --> 01:03:15,200 "The paid time doesn't come back." 444 01:03:15,659 --> 01:03:21,500 "The youth is dying by the loss of time." 445 01:03:27,120 --> 01:03:32,663 "The eyes made for love..." 446 01:03:33,000 --> 01:03:38,500 "...are the reflection of a material world." 447 01:03:39,100 --> 01:03:44,290 "Without love and reality..." 448 01:03:44,900 --> 01:03:50,450 "...we are condemned to live like images." 449 01:03:50,700 --> 01:03:56,529 "Without love and reality..." 450 01:03:57,000 --> 01:04:05,450 "...we are condemned to live like images." 451 01:04:14,442 --> 01:04:21,277 During slavery, the chains were only for people's ankles. 452 01:04:22,462 --> 01:04:30,290 Whereas today the chains are meant for the mind. 453 01:04:30,400 --> 01:04:38,200 Now we have to realise that we are responsible for ourselves... 454 01:04:38,250 --> 01:04:46,432 ...and we need to bear this burden, to become independent, to take our lives in our own hands. 455 01:04:47,171 --> 01:04:51,799 What capitalism presents as freedom has nothing to do with freedom. 456 01:04:52,393 --> 01:05:00,028 Being able to go freely and buy a product is not freedom. 457 01:05:00,750 --> 01:05:08,816 The system is creating needs that imposes on us, and this has nothing to do with freedom. 458 01:05:08,951 --> 01:05:15,158 Freedom is to chose a product myself, make it myself and use it for me and for society. 459 01:05:18,681 --> 01:05:28,846 "THE MODERN SLAVE is convinced that there is no alternative for the organisation of the world and FINDS THIS KIND OF LIFE SUFFICIENT because they think there can be no other..." 460 01:05:28,847 --> 01:05:39,011 "...And here lies the power of today's dominance: the conservation of the misconception that this system that has colonised the whole earth is the end of history." 461 01:05:39,012 --> 01:05:43,548 Jean-Francois Brient, In modern slavery, ch. XIII, 2007 462 01:05:44,200 --> 01:05:47,696 Let's not live like slaves, this is a slogan. 463 01:05:47,883 --> 01:06:02,066 In Greek, the words "work" and "slavery" ("doulia") are distinguished only by the intonation. 464 01:06:04,930 --> 01:06:17,750 All our life, what we do, is a fake freedom that gives the illusion of freedom. 465 01:06:18,487 --> 01:06:22,939 "I buy thus I exist." 466 01:06:23,250 --> 01:06:29,150 But everything is controlled. You will watch an add, you will go shopping. 467 01:06:31,000 --> 01:06:33,969 You will exercise your political rights every 4 years. 468 01:06:35,145 --> 01:06:40,500 There is a very specific structure for what you do. 469 01:06:40,600 --> 01:06:47,615 And if you don't follow it and you do something that is not programmed, then you will face the law. 470 01:06:47,745 --> 01:06:54,580 It might be that you plant a flower where you not supposed to. 471 01:06:54,600 --> 01:06:59,730 You are not truly free. It's just an illusion they have created. 472 01:07:01,059 --> 01:07:05,850 I am a slave to a habit I have which I never break. 473 01:07:06,450 --> 01:07:12,939 I am a slave to the comfort of my life which I never disturb for any reason. 474 01:07:12,960 --> 01:07:17,650 I am a slave to an ideology in which I feel comfortable. 475 01:07:18,393 --> 01:07:27,800 If I manage to change, to free myself from this personal slavery... 476 01:07:28,130 --> 01:07:35,886 ...to an ideology, my comfort and my habits... 477 01:07:37,750 --> 01:07:42,250 ...then something can change in a collective level. 478 01:07:42,955 --> 01:07:48,642 The slogan "Let's not live like slaves" is exactly what we felt when... 479 01:07:48,643 --> 01:07:52,150 ...we started thinking how to operate the factory. 480 01:07:52,300 --> 01:08:06,800 Not to be slaves any more, as the EU and the Troika want us; just to be able to survive. 481 01:08:07,066 --> 01:08:13,857 We chose to be poorer but free to think and act. 482 01:08:13,600 --> 01:08:23,867 That was the framework we formed, talking about survival and dignity... 483 01:08:23,868 --> 01:08:30,249 ...being free to think and act. 484 01:08:31,600 --> 01:08:39,280 For me the essence is found in the slogan "let's not live like slaves", the plural. 485 01:08:39,997 --> 01:08:44,678 It's not only about me not living like a slave or having my freedom. 486 01:08:45,015 --> 01:08:52,464 The essence lies in that my freedom is related to all of us being free. 487 01:08:53,120 --> 01:08:58,340 A society of symmetry, collaboration and cohabitation... 488 01:08:58,720 --> 01:09:08,959 ...a society that will be organised from the bottom, by all of us and for all of us. 489 01:09:09,850 --> 01:09:13,975 I don't know whether this will be called socialism, anarchism or direct democracy. 490 01:09:14,740 --> 01:09:19,816 All these forces can work together towards this common goal. 491 01:09:21,170 --> 01:09:30,700 The point is for people to stop being products, consumers and victims, and to become independent. 492 01:09:32,234 --> 01:09:38,099 "The light burn in our hearts." 493 01:09:40,050 --> 01:09:45,658 "Hope runs in our veins." 494 01:09:47,600 --> 01:09:53,046 "Are we reborn through a new life?" 495 01:09:55,300 --> 01:10:00,629 "Are we reborn through a fresh start?" 496 01:10:17,900 --> 01:10:24,978 "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES!" 497 01:10:25,100 --> 01:10:31,000 "Let's hold our heads up high!" 498 01:10:31,333 --> 01:10:38,483 The fighter against the regime is like a child. 499 01:10:38,900 --> 01:10:43,709 Always having the hope that things will change and always trying to create. 500 01:10:44,100 --> 01:10:50,200 And no matter how old they get, they keep this characteristic, wishing the change for the better. 501 01:10:51,050 --> 01:10:56,216 And there lies the difference with those that do grow up in their soul and who become robots... 502 01:10:56,388 --> 01:11:05,820 ...with a career, to make money and buy houses, have a family -not that family is bad-... 503 01:11:09,250 --> 01:11:19,882 ...and live the dream of having it all, when a child is interested in living better. 504 01:11:21,435 --> 01:11:30,608 Of course, a fighter is not a child when it comes to responsibility, opposite to what the others do. 505 01:11:31,400 --> 01:11:40,379 A fighter always holds the responsibility not only for themselves but for those around them as well. 506 01:11:40,750 --> 01:11:47,292 These are the things that characterise a fighter, always looking ahead with hope... 507 01:11:47,293 --> 01:11:55,799 ...and with a smile, because if we stop smiling there is no point in it. 508 01:11:57,300 --> 01:12:07,412 FROM THE THEATRE TO THE STREETS: the provenance of a slogan that was spread all over Greece. 509 01:12:09,970 --> 01:12:13,340 With great joy, I heard that you were making a film with the name "Let's not live like slaves". 510 01:12:13,350 --> 01:12:17,729 So I looked for you in order to explain how this phrase and this graffiti came to be. 511 01:12:19,345 --> 01:12:23,192 In the winter of 2010, along with the Void Network and the Institute of Experimental Arts,... 512 01:12:23,918 --> 01:12:28,400 ...we decided to present The Maids, the play by Jean Genet. 513 01:12:28,950 --> 01:12:32,790 I was the director and I also translated the text into Greek. 514 01:12:34,500 --> 01:12:40,747 This play is about 2 girls who plot to kill their bosses. 515 01:12:41,637 --> 01:12:49,202 So, in the script there is a phrase that the heroine, suffocated by the conditions of her life... 516 01:12:49,210 --> 01:12:52,182 ...turns to the other heroine and says... 517 01:12:52,183 --> 01:12:56,044 "We must do something, so as to not live like this. Let's not live like slaves." 518 01:12:56,552 --> 01:13:02,543 - Come on, get up! Let's leave! Let's take our stuff and just leave... 519 01:13:02,544 --> 01:13:04,450 ...by train, by boat, it doesn't matter. 520 01:13:05,630 --> 01:13:13,880 - Leave? Easy to say. Go where? With whom? 521 01:13:13,891 --> 01:13:20,103 - Wherever, Claire, just anywhere! - Where? How will we survive? We have nothing! 522 01:13:21,265 --> 01:13:25,791 - We'll find something. If need be, we'll take from here, money, jewellery, anything! 523 01:13:25,792 --> 01:13:26,988 - Money? - Yes. 524 01:13:26,989 --> 01:13:32,937 - We are not thieves. The Police will be on us right away. Money will betray us. 525 01:13:32,938 --> 01:13:37,864 - Damn! To hell with everything... 526 01:13:40,000 --> 01:13:42,971 We must find a way to escape our life. 527 01:13:44,869 --> 01:13:48,700 Do you get it? We must find a way. 528 01:13:50,150 --> 01:13:52,347 Let's not live like slaves, Claire. 529 01:13:53,670 --> 01:13:57,283 Come on! Get up! Let's go!" 530 01:13:58,395 --> 01:14:06,134 So, we took this phrase out in the streets, we started tagging the walls during protests. 531 01:14:06,135 --> 01:14:08,900 "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES" 532 01:14:09,447 --> 01:14:17,711 Then in may 2011, the square movement kicked-off like everywhere else in the world. 533 01:14:18,909 --> 01:14:26,077 And we started tagging walls even more with the phrase "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES". 534 01:14:26,113 --> 01:14:31,400 We understood that this phrase expressed and was embraced by many people. 535 01:14:31,401 --> 01:14:42,476 It can be found in poems, in protest placards, it was written on walls all over the country. 536 01:14:42,477 --> 01:14:48,554 Everyone, anarchists, autonomists, leftists, used the phrase. 537 01:14:50,029 --> 01:15:01,192 That's why we continued tagging walls with it in order to encourage people to revolt... 538 01:15:01,227 --> 01:15:09,224 ...so that they don't live like slaves, and to stop the destruction of their lives... 539 01:15:09,226 --> 01:15:20,799 ...and to make people understand that, through participation, we can change our life. 540 01:15:20,800 --> 01:15:25,490 Participating, being active and wanting to fight. 541 01:15:25,491 --> 01:15:37,096 But also through friendship with people whom we trust and with whom we can be active. 542 01:15:37,150 --> 01:15:46,898 Contributing to the struggle with them, in our own way resisting and fighting the system. 543 01:15:46,900 --> 01:15:59,027 For us it is a slogan that symbolises the revolt, friendship, love and participation in the struggle. 544 01:15:59,250 --> 01:16:02,000 That's what "Let's not live like slaves" means for us. 545 01:16:04,100 --> 01:16:11,440 And now, dedicated to Sofia, and all the listeners of Radio Entasi: 546 01:16:11,450 --> 01:16:15,000 "Let's not live like slaves" by Limania Xena. 547 01:16:55,382 --> 01:17:03,521 Halkidiki (northern Greece) 548 01:17:05,660 --> 01:17:11,200 "Friend, can you hear the feast of vultures in the world?" 549 01:17:13,104 --> 01:17:19,499 "Friend, can you hear the cities replying?" 550 01:17:19,900 --> 01:17:21,870 "THEY ARE SELLING OFF OUR LAND, RESIST" 551 01:17:22,000 --> 01:17:29,037 We are in Ierissos, Halkidiki, in the north of Greece,... 552 01:17:29,150 --> 01:17:38,531 ...where the Canadian company Eldorado Gold wants to build an extremely damaging factory... 553 01:17:38,532 --> 01:17:47,798 ...that will destroy our water, our mountains, our nature and our environment. 554 01:17:48,600 --> 01:17:57,601 We are all in the barricades, in solidarity to our two unjustly imprisoned brothers... 555 01:17:57,602 --> 01:18:07,327 ...and to the other 18 people who run the risk of being arrested as we speak. 556 01:18:09,280 --> 01:18:17,474 I'd like to add that the way in which the Police invaded the homes of those arrested... 557 01:18:17,476 --> 01:18:20,281 ...was totally inappropriate and unacceptable. 558 01:18:20,400 --> 01:18:27,065 They kicked the doors down and arrested them in their pyjamas in front of their under-aged kids. 559 01:18:27,250 --> 01:18:34,355 The kids are under a tremendous psychological violence, a terrifying behaviour inside their own home. 560 01:18:43,517 --> 01:18:48,458 Here in Halkidiki the population has been fighting and resisting for years... 561 01:18:48,459 --> 01:18:53,523 ...against the gold mining industry and against Eldorado Gold. 562 01:18:54,500 --> 01:18:59,732 And all of us are revolting. People of all ages, kids, youths and elder people. 563 01:19:00,900 --> 01:19:08,148 We are united in this struggle. I don't know whether we will succeed, but our conscience is clean... 564 01:19:08,150 --> 01:19:11,607 ...because we have at least tried, and this for us is very important. 565 01:19:12,400 --> 01:19:15,413 And we will be able to look our kids in the eyes and tell them... 566 01:19:15,414 --> 01:19:21,126 ...that we tried to save these mountains we didn't sell them off. 567 01:19:24,200 --> 01:19:26,838 The Police is gone from here some time now,... 568 01:19:27,000 --> 01:19:32,000 ...after the riots and the struggle of the people here. 569 01:19:32,250 --> 01:19:42,953 There was an attack against the police station and they decided to close it down. 570 01:19:44,398 --> 01:19:51,567 "Dark storms agitate the air dark clouds prevents us from seeing" 571 01:19:51,568 --> 01:19:58,628 "Even though pain and death awaits us, duty calls us against the enemy." 572 01:19:58,629 --> 01:20:05,927 "The most important thing is freedom. Let's fight for it with faith and bravery." 573 01:20:06,300 --> 01:20:13,301 "Keep high the revolutionary flag that will emancipate people." 574 01:20:13,905 --> 01:20:17,599 "IMBECILES! SHAME IS NOT A JOB.." 575 01:20:17,650 --> 01:20:21,299 "DONT BE SCARED, WE ARE WINNING" 576 01:20:21,601 --> 01:20:27,349 We are determined not to allow them to proceed, we are determined to go all the way. 577 01:20:27,351 --> 01:20:32,795 And no matter how hard they try with their dirty ways, the misinformation, the propaganda... 578 01:20:32,900 --> 01:20:38,839 ...that create a totally wrong impression of us, we are determined to go on. 579 01:20:41,330 --> 01:20:46,014 You need to understand that in order to move closer to a utopian society... 580 01:20:46,250 --> 01:20:52,902 ...even if we never make it there, you will get your ass burnt. 581 01:20:54,045 --> 01:20:58,122 It cannot be done by sitting on a couch, you have to get up. 582 01:20:58,931 --> 01:21:07,673 I think that the biggest problem is that we fight but we are imprisoned in our own limits. 583 01:21:07,674 --> 01:21:13,000 The time has come to spread our ideas, exchange opinions and actions,... 584 01:21:13,050 --> 01:21:30,600 ...to demonstrate together in order to achieve our common goal and take our life into our hands. 585 01:21:32,100 --> 01:21:36,380 "THERE IS NO CONCLUSION, because nothing is finished and everything is starting." 586 01:21:36,381 --> 01:21:43,600 "ONLY AN INVITATION: with the same words, in one language or another, PROMOTE IT HERE AND ELSEWHERE..." 587 01:21:44,950 --> 01:21:48,023 The workers of VIOME have made a decision. 588 01:21:48,025 --> 01:21:51,717 And this decision is: LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 589 01:21:51,718 --> 01:21:53,498 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 590 01:21:54,250 --> 01:21:57,087 We invite you to make our common slogan a reality: 591 01:21:57,088 --> 01:22:01,119 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 592 01:22:01,300 --> 01:22:03,808 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES, for everyone's sake. 593 01:22:04,000 --> 01:22:05,857 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 594 01:22:07,160 --> 01:22:08,124 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 595 01:22:08,335 --> 01:22:11,428 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 596 01:22:13,840 --> 01:22:20,731 "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES!" 597 01:22:21,390 --> 01:22:27,417 "Let's hold our heads up high!" 598 01:22:28,770 --> 01:22:35,500 "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES!" 599 01:22:36,370 --> 01:22:41,660 "Let's hold our heads up high!" 600 01:22:41,800 --> 01:22:59,140 One more time, it has to be perfect: "LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES" (in French) 601 01:23:07,300 --> 01:23:11,577 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 602 01:23:12,089 --> 01:23:15,900 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 603 01:23:16,600 --> 01:23:21,222 LET'S NOT LIVE LIKE SLAVES! 604 01:23:22,200 --> 01:23:30,260 "THOSE WHO LIVE ARE THOSE WHO FIGHT, are those whose mind and soul are ingrained with a firm planning. Those for whom..." 605 01:23:30,261 --> 01:23:38,321 "...a steep slope symbolises a big destiny. THOSE WHO WALK CONTEMPLATING A WONDERFUL CAUSE." Victor Hugo, Les Chßtiments, 1853 606 01:24:37,762 --> 01:24:41,299 Alexis (we do not forget, we do not forgive) 607 01:27:00,130 --> 01:27:07,075 non-profit co-production: The Cradle Of Another World Anepos Maud Youlountas Serge Utgi-Royo and 173 supporting subscribers 608 01:27:07,539 --> 01:27:12,000 coordination - distribution: Maud Youlountas Loukas Youlountas 609 01:27:13,000 --> 01:27:17,330 website - IT: Minga, Iric Jousse, Anne Merlieux 610 01:27:18,200 --> 01:27:22,650 english subtitles: www.x-pressed.org 611 01:27:23,695 --> 01:27:31,400 script - production - camerawork - editing: Yannis Youlountas 612 01:29:25,205 --> 01:29:38,200 In memory of: Alexis Grigoropoulos (1993-2008) Climent Miric (1995-2013)