Out of Reach: The Struggle for the American Dream Premieres at Milwaukee Film Festival

Out of Reach: The Struggle for the American Dream, a documentary film directed by Faith Kohler, premiered at the 2026 Dialogues Documentary Festival in Milwaukee. The film chronicles the economic struggles of four generations of Milwaukee workers, highlighting the disappearance of the middle class and the challenges faced by American workers.

The documentary, which took five years to produce, was selected for the 2026 Dialogues Documentary Festival by Milwaukee Film. It screens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, at the Oriental Theatre’s Abele Cinema. Following the screening, there will be a moderated talkback with the cast and crew.

Kohler, an attorney and filmmaker, worked alongside her brother, Executive Producer Adam Najberg, a former Wall Street Journal journalist. Luis Zerón Rugerio, an editor with experience at Netflix and HBO, edited the film. Colin Sytsma provided the cinematography, capturing the intimate and visually striking scenes.

The film follows the journey of four key figures: Milwaukee Alderman DiAndre Jackson, former Republican State Representative and businessman Mark Honadel, former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, iron worker Randy "Iron Stache" Bryce, labor organizers Mike Bink and Decorah Gordon, political commentator and former Editor of The Bulwark Charlie Sykes, and former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel journalist John Schmid. Each of these individuals shares their personal experiences and insights into the changing economic landscape.

Central to the narrative is the story of Master Lock, a long-standing Milwaukee company. Founded in 1924, Master Lock faced significant challenges and ultimately closed its plant in 2024, resulting in the loss of approximately 330 jobs. This closure symbolizes the broader economic shifts affecting the region and the country as a whole.

While Milwaukee has undergone significant redevelopment and gentrification, the city’s transition to a service-based economy remains incomplete. The film highlights persistent issues such as stagnant wages, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of affordable healthcare, job insecurity, and the effects of deindustrialization and trickle-down economic policies.

The documentary aims to provide a comprehensive view of the American dream's evolving reality, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary workers who are navigating these complex and often disheartening economic changes. The premiere at the Dialogues Documentary Festival offers a platform for discussion and reflection on these critical issues.