Film on factory is first Netflix project endorsed by Obamas

NEW YORK — A documentary about an Ohio auto glass factory that is run by a Chinese investor debuted Wednesday on Netflix as the streaming service’s first project backed by Michelle and Barack Obama’s new production company. Filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert said they learned of the Obamas’ interest after “American Factory” was shown at the Sundance film festival and they were pitching the film to Netflix. “It helps all of us feel some solidarity with each other.” Reichert said she’s seen some commentary that the Obamas were interested in the film as a criticism of Trump, and said that was stupid. It’s really a close up and intimate look at what globalization looks like.” One of the American workers is shown bonding with Chinese colleagues, inviting several to a Thanksgiving dinner and to drive his motorcycle. “We hope that people realize that without empathy for people who are different from you, you’re not going to solve the political divide,” Bognar said.