The Washing Society

The Washing Society is an evocative and insightful documentary-style film that explores the topic of labor and history through a unique lens - that of the laundromat. Released in 2017, the film stars Jasmine Holloway, Veraalba Santa, and Ching Valdes-Aran, who through their vivid performances tackle the subjects of labor rights, social inequality, and the often unexplored historical context of the world of laundry workers.

The Washing Society is a collaboration between director Lynne Sachs and playwright Lizzie Olesker. Both renowned in their respective fields, they take the helm of this project to unfold the intricacies of this theme with a tender touch. Through their direction and storytelling, they weave together a narrative that doesn't just tell a tale but resonates with its audience, urging them to look deeper into the fabric of society.

Jasmine Holloway, known for her resonant theatrical performances, embodies varying aspects of the labor force within the laundromat industry. Her work emphasizes the purpose and emotion behind each activity and routine, highlighting her as more than a character, but rather as a strong voice for workers within these establishments.

Veraalba Santa, another core performer in the film, brings to life individual stories within the routine of washing and folding, offering an exploration of the personal experiences of those within this industry. Her performance alongside Holloway creates a diverse palette of poignant narratives that add depth to the film's exploration of labor and history.

Veteran actress Ching Valdes-Aran provides a robust foundation for the film through her seasoned perspective of the industry. She embodies the history and the grit enclosed within these laundromats, channeling her breadth of experience into a transcendent and emotional performance.

The Washing Society blends the use of observational cinema with personal anecdotes and historical documents to paint a broad picture of the seemingly commonplace phenomenon of laundry work. It gives voice to the invisible workers, often immigrants and people of color, who, despite often being overlooked, function as an essential part of the city's imposing machinery.

The film opens a dialogue about the transformation of labor rights, ethnic diasporas, and urban gentrification. The movie breaks away from the traditional linear narrative, instead opting to combine interviews, dramatic sequences and storytelling traditions to create a rich, multifaceted account of a story usually left untold.

The Washing Society is an exploration of the unseen: the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes, whose work is so incorporated into our daily lives that we hardly notice it. It is a thought-provoking perspective on the changing world of work, the human struggle and the historical significance of laundry.

The symbology of washing, of cleaning and purification is played out, a poignant reminder of societal divide and inequality. It brings to the forefront the necessity to respect and honor all work and is an intimate look at the lives and history of those in society whose work often isn't recognized, much less appreciated.

The movie is not simply about laundry. In essence, it uses the concept of the washing society to tackle global themes ranging from capitalism, race and immigration to the often-forgotten histories of these workers whose work is considered an essential part of city living.

The Washing Society is a layered, resonant piece of cinema that explores the raw and real narratives of labor and history through the small, yet impactful world of a laundromat. It tells an unseen story, showing how seemingly menial tasks have profound effects in our society, all while weaving together individual narratives to create an intricate portrayal of work, history and humanity.

In summary, The Washing Society is a film that blends the old with the new, the public with the personal, and the universal with the specific. Through its exceptional storytelling and performances, this film remains an insightful commentary on work, racial unrest, solitude and camaraderie. It is a homage to the often-unseen laundromat worker and an exploration of the humanity that exists in every aspect of society.