Whistleblower Film Festival: Silkwood October 15, 2009

Brought to you by National Whistleblowers Center

This dramatic film is based on the true story of Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep), a rank-and-file worker at a plutonium factory, who was accidentally exposed to a lethal dose of radiation. Historically, the company downplayed employee complaints about radiation sickness, much to Silkwood’s frustration. Her own ordeal made Silkwood an activist. When she was about to go public with evidence of the company’s poor safety record, the corporate powers went to extreme lengths to ensure that Silkwood’s story was never told.
US, drama, 1983; 131m; directed by Mike Nichols

Speakers: Howard Kohn, author "Who Killed Karen Silkwood" & David Burnham, New York Times reporter

Why:

This first-ever series is part of a landmark, nine-year legislative effort to restore credible whistleblower rights for government employees. The Whistleblower Film Series – part of the 9th annual DC Labor FilmFest -- showcases dramatic films that explore this vital issue at a critical time.

How:

Presented by the DC Labor FilmFest and supporters of whistleblower protection legislation, including the Project On Government Oversight, Public Citizen, the Government Accountability Project, the National Whistleblowers Center, Union of Concerned Scientists, Bernabei & Wachtel, the Fund for Constitutional Government, Clifford & Garde LLP, Katz, Marshall & Banks, the Ridenhour Prizes.