There is a purpose to activism. It is a means to educate, to communicate grievances, and to effect social change. But the activism of late seems to fall short of lofty goals. What did Occupy Wallstreet and its knockoff occupy protests across the country achieve? Did we learn anything other than the phrase, “We are the 99% ?” We already knew our banks and corporations are corrupt.
There was, however, an occupy movement that began on Earth Day, April 22, 2012, that did make a difference. They called themselves Occupy 2.0.
For 80 years, the University of California, Berkley managed land called the Gill Tract, acres gifted to the university, as a public trust. This prime farmland was mostly used for agricultural research. But in 2012, the university revealed their plans to sell the land to be used for housing and retail.
On Earth Day, 200 urban farmers descended on the property with 15,000 seedlings, tools for planting, and tents to set up camp to protect and nurture the newly claimed community garden. Their occupation, protest, confrontations with police, meetings with campus officials, help and support from the neighborhood, and their final outcome were all recorded on film by director Todd Darling whose documentary chronicles the event from start to finish.Occupy the Farm is an engaging film that uplifts the soul and inspires the closet rebel. It is a tribute to non-violent protest and community activism.
Occupy the Farm is an engaging film that uplifts the soul and inspires the closet rebel to break out and support a worthy cause. It is a tribute to non-violent protest and community activism – a must see film.
Check the website for updates and additional information:
April 14: Santa Barbara, CA
Pollock Theater, 7 PM
Ocean Road, UCSB
carseywolf.ucsb.edu
Q&A to follow screening with filmmaker Todd Darling and Effie Rawlings of Occupy The Farm.
April 18: Hollywood, FL
Cinema Paradiso, 1pm matinee
2008 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, FL 33019
April 19: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cinema Paradiso, 1pm matinee
503 SE 6th St,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 525-3456
April 20-23: Eugene, OR
Including Earth Day!
Bijou Art Cinema, 7 PM Speakers nightly.
492 East 13th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
April 21-‐22: San Francisco, CA including Earth Day!
Roxie Theater
3117 16th Street, San Francisco, CA in the Mission District
Q&A to follow 7 pm screenings
roxie.com
April 22 – Earth Day! St. Augustine FL
Corazon Theater, 7 PM
36 Granada St, St Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 679-‐5736 corazoncinemaandcafe.com