Educational Media Reviews Online

Uberland is a mildly engaging documentary that is fairly brief, but effective enough. It addresses realities for many who are interested in business, urban studies, working relations, and social studies. However, the pace lags, and the content is somewhat nonessential at this moment. Nevertheless, it does hold some interest by exposing viewers to an issue that is not readily apparent to many.

It makes an argument for apparent unfair conditions of Uber-drivers and the CEOS who are cashing on the expense of hard workers and the exploitation of labor conditions of drivers under their employment. Drivers tend to be struggling, vulnerable people. It follows the origins of Uber in its starting place, San Francisco and details the power struggles between the competing company Lyft. It works hard to describe an exploitative capitalist dialectic that is somewhat oppressive to certain groups, who are duped into believing they can make a healthy wage, when in fact, they make less then minimum wage. Some Uber drivers are successful, but there are hidden pitfalls including strain on your personal vehicle, expense of gas, and lack of any type of benefit packages.

In this reviewer’s opinion, students will be somewhat engaged, though it is not apparent that it is relevant to many viewers. The brief nature of the film, and the somewhat limited scope make this nonessential viewing and only mildly interesting. This film works well for contemporary business affairs discussions but is somewhat dated. Its lack of current relevancy makes it difficult to hone in on and empathize.

Technically, it is professionally put together, blending interviews with street imagery. It adheres to all the essential elements of documentary film but is somewhat distanced from its subject.

Instructors may use this film as a “jumping off” point to discuss issues in a larger context, including the nature of big businesses, and the unfortunate individuals who get caught between the cracks of a rapidly growing business. This may be used by instructors to help students understand the nature of competing business practices, and the lengths some companies go to in order to keep ahead of the competition.

Overall, this brief film exposes a side of businesses that may change the way society looks at business practices in the United States. This film is recommended but with some hesitation.

Awards:

WINNER: Best Self-Funded Film, Cine Pobre Film Festival OFFICIAL SELECTION: Awareness Film Festival; San Francisco International New Concept Film Festival; San Francisco Documentary Film Festival; New York City Independent Film Festival; Workers Unite Film Festival; Cine Pobre Film Festival FINALIST: Colorado International Activism Film Festival SEMI-FINALIST: Courage Film Festival