THE PARADOX OF SEABROOK FARMS

Sunday the 12 th of October will be the Dutch premiere of the documentary film: The Paradox of Seabrook Farms – Shattered Dreams, Restored Hopes. The film follows the rise of Seabrook Farms, which was the largest frozen food processing farm and factory in the United States in the mid-20th Century. The farm and factory labor came from a diverse community of refugees and immigrants, each with its own heart-breaking stories.

The workers all had to build up a new life for their families in very difficult circumstances at Seabrook, while Charles F. Seabrook, their rich racist boss, decided to destroy his own family company. Fifteen people from different ethnicities who grew up in Seabrook Farms tell their stories in the documentary. They all have positive memories of their childhoods, and how despite their families’ hardships, the parents had renewed hopes and created new possibilities for their children. Meanwhile the story of Charles F. Seabrook, the wealthy founder and owner, became a Greek tragedy of betrayal. Jealousy and distrust drove the Seabrook family apart.

At the same time, despite himself, Charles F. Seabrook created a vibrant multicultural community, a positive unintended consequence. What occurred in a small New Jersey community 70 year ago is a universal story of hope and new beginnings about people who came to Seabrook Farms with nothing and left with opportunities. Their true-life stories of survival and perseverance reflect the struggles for freedom from war and oppression currently in today’s global headlines.

After the screening there will be a Q&A with the director Helga Merits and the composer Peter van Os. The film is English spoken, without subtitles.