"The Last American Shoemaker, " by Joseph Eulo (7:57) Documentary

by Joseph Eulo, (8 min), Documentary

The Last American Shoemaker is the story of Luis Ruales, a 65-year-old Ecuadorian Zapatero who has served the Roselle community as the borough’s shoemaker for the past 40 years.

In coming to America, Luis has overcome many obstacles. Among them learning a new language, assimilating into a new culture, raising and supporting a family while maintaining a his cultural heritage, and running a business in a volatile economy. Luis must now face his biggest challenge yet: retirement.

With his 66th birthday fast approaching, Luis must decide to either enjoy his golden years or continue as Roselle’s only shoemaker.

This 8-minute film takes a look at the toll that globalization and mass production takes on Luis profession in the United States and his personal and financial choices he faces in making his decision to reitre or keep working.