If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front Official Theatrical Trailer (HD)

[cinemafreak666]

Eco-terrorism is nothing. I hate how they make such a big deal over crazy environmentalists who use vandalism as a way to get their point across. The real threat and real domestic terrorists are the racist and homophobic militia groups, the anti-abortion groups, and Neo-Nazi's/Neo-Fascist groups, all that preach hate against individuals based on who they are as humans and have murdered thousands.

[nonamejanexxx]

Violence is NEVER the answer!

[VoterMarch]

Screening in New York City and Q&A with Co-Director

Friday, February 17, 2011, @ 7:00 p.m.

Epifaneo Collective epifaneo.com

56 Walker Street, Tribeca, Manhattan 10013

A Q&A with co-director Sam Cullman will follow the screening.

A donation of $5 is suggested.

[jokesrus5]

You do realise if they were brown (Indian,arab,persian or pakistani) they wouldnt have even made a documentry let alone make bail or even be out in the public. Using violence for a political means rarely brings fruit thats why the arab springs were so successful initially they did what al queda couldnt do and they did it without using a gun same with ghandi and martin luther king jnr.

[davidstrut]

part3The police's role is to balance the right for people to protest, with the right of other people to go about their lives safely and freely. Again and again in this documentary the police blasted pepper spray at passive protesters. The chemical was fired into their faces and on their bodies at point-blank range. A victim of pepper spray first feels sharp burning and pain and then coughs as breathing becomes more difficult.

[davidstrut]

part2 Part2@legofilms4fun The Human Rights Act protects freedom of expression and freedom of assembly – these form the basis for your right to gather with others and protest. The act forbids governments and other public bodies (including police) from violating these rights, but not in American it seems. However, it does allow for some limitations on these rights in order to prevent unrest, violence and crime, and for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

[debolrags]

where do i sign up for that organisation? \m/

[shock80ey]

People. This is NOT violence according to the WHO def of violence.

Killing, torturing, hurting, testing animals IS violence.

 Therefore, if you think this is violence then you can't logically condemn this act and NOT condemn animal violence. If you want to argue that this is "against the law" that is a different argument with different rational, premises, and conclusions.

[shock80ey]

@shock80ey CORRECTION: If you want to argue that this is wrong because it is against the law....**

[VoterMarch]

Screening at Epifaneo Collective, 56 Walker Street, Tribeca, Manhattan on Friday, Feb. 17 @ 7 pm.

followed by Q&A with co-director and producer Sam Cullman

See epifaneo.com for details

[VinceLJ23]

Just went to a screening of this film. Loved it. It was great. Very thought provoking. Does anyone know the song that is played with this trailer? It's the same some that runs during the final credits for those who have seen the film.

[MikeILLT]

always the friend with the knife in the back

[C00LX100]

you guys are idiots THE PLANET IS FINE PEOPLE ARE FUCKED!

[shock80ey]

You would be surprised how hard something like that is to do. Say what you want but calling them cowards, I don't agree with that.

[AwakenedSword]

“Western civilization is a loaded gun pointed at the head of this planet." ~ Terence McKenna

[xGoliathOnlinex]

these are the same type of people that would cry if someone blew up an abortion clinic. but hey.. 'no victim, no crime' right?

[megastomped]

This is nuts!, just what we need more violence. Why not try using your brains to fix your issues. This is just an excuse to cause carouse.

[shicksox345]

How is it terrorism? Last time I checked, terrorism meant a group attacking a nation and their people. No one was even injured during this, that is, except for the activists. They fought for what they believed in, just like you argue with someone and try to support your side, they used words, and then when that failed, actions.

[Rodro1]

@shicksox345 Yup Noah preached for 120 years -this is not in the Bible but it did happen- so that people would shape up, 120 years woah! Then God did try the peaceful approach first after all, but it didn't work, so God had no other option than wipe humanity out, conclusion: nothing new under the sun, well done ELF well done

[WesOrion]

Well, well, well. Can't wait until the Left starts the dance.

[Lipsnx4u]

Stupid show.

[AelicRider]

This is wrong and idiotic. Nothing justifies terrorism. This glorifies it. Its sick and disgusting.

[Rodro1]

@AelicRider Destroying MY planet with the emissions of cars and factories is wrong and idiotic. Nothing justifies the persuit of wealth at the cost of losing nature. Don't blame some people for fighting back. When are you going to take your old dog to the slaughterhouse so that you and your family can have it for dinner? You don't need to answer the question I think you got the point

[ymatmband]

@AelicRider Not to say they did the RIGHT thing, but don't you think raping the environment is equally sick? What is the purpose of right and wrong when those in charge of government and business are not accountable for their actions and yet the average individuals is? I think to simply label their actions sick is to completely ignore the messiness of life. How do you quantify arson to the beating of human beings by police officers? Your comment encourages simple mindedness. Grow up.

[legofilms4fun]

Just because "no one was hurt" doesn't make it OK. If I burnt your house down, or blew up your car, or caused damage to your property, wouldn't you want me to pay for that? And yet these people think they shouldn't have to...there is a proper way to support the eco-system and protest "consumer America", and there is a wrong way. These people crossed the line.

[madmaudlin22]

@legofilms4fun Arson is a felony, and of course they should pay for their crime. My understanding of the controversy is if they should be treated similarly to someone who flies a plane into a building. What is the truy definition of "terrorism" in our legal system? At what point does an arsonist become classified as a terrorist?

[davidstrut]

Part 1 @legofilms4fun Your comments with regards to this documentary are completely wrong, so much so that I will take a few minutes to try and educate you! Quote: "there is a proper way to support the eco-system and protest "consumer America". Which at first is what the protesters tried to do and should have had the rights to do this, under the Human Rights Act.

[Keffinn]

@legofilms4fun He's not saying what he did was right your retard, he's saying that in a crime where no one was even injured he's facing the same sentence as serial killers. THAT IS RETARDED.

[Rodro1]

@Keffinn Try to have a civilized discussion, legofilms4fun DIDN'T INSULT anyone

[data66609]

@legofilms4fun I think the point is that the people they targeted were people who were also damaging property and causing harm, harm that effects more than one person or one company, so in fact their property being damaged/burnt down/blown up was them paying for their damages. & what would the proper way be? spreading the message about the damage being done to the eco-system? warning and proof of global warming? asking nicely to stop depleting the forests? That's all been done and with no avail

[StuDeMattia86]

fuck em

[NathanOzcan]

You guys all make me ashamed to be a part of the environmental movement. "Sometimes when you see the things you love being destroyed you have to destroy those things". What absolute garbage. YOU DON'T BURN DOWN SOMEONES HOME.

A terrorist isn't a freedom fighter. Anyone who fights physically is a joke.

[shock80ey]

@NathanOzcan "Anyone who fights physically is a joke" - Have you not heard "people have the right not to be annihilated." What about self defense? What about all the people who had no choice but to stand up to corruption/oppresion using violence? I'm not saying it is right and I think it should be a last resort but it is a tool in a tool box, just like every other form of change. The right tool for the right job.

[NathanOzcan]

@shock80ey Anyone who is not ready to die for an idea they hold dearly to their heart is a coward. Contrast R. Martin Luther King with Malcolm X, The Haitian Rebellion with the Civil Rights Movement. Look at the Suffragettes of the early 20th century and the ongoing Gay Rights movement. If you are in the 'right' you will always win. Sometimes the Long Duree is much harder, BUT ONLY by peaceful means is a meaningful change EVER brought about.

[TheTerrorUforgot]

@NathanOzcan America was founded on violence, not protest and picketing. There is no one path to change.

"People who make peaceful revolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable" - JFK

[NathanOzcan]

@TheTerrorUforgot There is no "one path to change". You're right. But there are "wrong paths" to change. JFK is as fallible as any other human being. Your quotation of him and his dip into social anthropological philosophy does not make him correct or lend credence to your argument. If people stop eating meat, people will stop slaughtering animals. You have to change the big picture, the "system" if you will to effect a lasting change.

[data66609]

@NathanOzcan yeah not the most well thought out quote, but I think the point is that you can only combat violence with non-violence for so long, there's only so much peaceful protesting one can do when being met with pepper spray, billy clubs and riot shields and or no change. and your line of a terrorist isn't a freedom fighter, anyone who fights physically is a joke as long as you consider America, Malcom X and anyone who fought in any war or revolution a joke

[NathanOzcan]

@data66609 I do consider malcolm X a joke. I consider anyone who has fought in any war a joke. By fighting someone, you are saying that they have "less worth" than you, that they are less of a human being. They are not, they are just a bit ignorant and need to be educated. Pacifism frees you from hypocrisy.

[bobjebowski]

@NathanOzcan I feel like you are saying people have "less worth" than you if they fight someone. I think it is completely absurd to say that all fighting is wrong. If someone broke into your mom's house to steal stuff and beat and rape your mom you'd be a fool to think they just need a little education to stop. Violence isn't all the same. The motivation behind it can COMPLETELY change the context. Sometimes people have to fight to end injustice.

[NathanOzcan]

@bobjebowski They certainly don't have less worth, they may be less educated. You are trying to make two very different types of violence analogous ("they are not the same"). If someone broke into my mother's house to do that they would indeed need to be stopped through some measure. But you don't have to restrain them and then BREAK THEIR ARM to teach them a lesson. You restrain them and speak with them or send them to a rehab institute or psychologist. Fighting to end injustice is like :

[NathanOzcan]

@NathanOzcan "having sex to catch virginity". (Love that quote)

[data66609]

@NathanOzcan I respect your view/opinion and if the world worked like a court room should or a debate meet and logic and morality prevailed then yes pacifism should be followed, however prime examples of this not always sufficing is apparent throughout history. e.g. ELF, in burning down a plant that rounded/slaughtered wild horses they stopped the company dead in their tracks. Peaceful protest against this practice went on for about a decade with absolutely no result.

[NathanOzcan]

@data66609 Man. The other side of that (the violence that your suggesting) is an escalation of violence. People that raise and slaughter animals don't see things like we do. Yeah it worked in one scenario. But overall? Illinois I believe has re-instated legal measure to put Horse Slaughtering back on the table. Why? There is a market for it. We burnt one so they open up 15. Violence doesn't work. Supply and Demand works.

[data66609]

@NathanOzcan that was a specific example, not in anyway implying that this would go on to shape national policy regarding the treatment of animals'. Further, I agree with you and pacifism in most cases, pacifistic approaches should always be exhausted b4 any extreme measures are taken. I just do not buy pacifism as an absolute,fail-proof solution. History is chock-full w/ex. of regimes who would stay in power indefinitely if pacifism was the only action taken by the people.

[nonamejanexxx]

@data66609 Wasn't there a huge problem with the over-population of wild horses and them destroying the plant life?

[data66609]

@nonamejanexxx and slaughtering them, then profiting from their carcasses is the clear solution to such a problem? Mammals have been on earth for 100s of millions of yrs, humans, only for 100s of thousands of years & we didn't begin developing past hunting/gathering til about 10,000 yrs ago,yet somehow the planet managed just fine w/out our interventions.the more appropriate ? would be "isn't there a huge problem with the population of humans & them destroying the planet's life?"

[nordiclights1]

I liked this documentary a lot and am happy that it was nominated for the Oscar. It is a smart movie, which makes you think after watching it. I can not judge these people for what they did, because even if setting buildings on fire is a crime, there is so much bigger crimes going on what we still accept and slowly we get to the point that those people are considered in the public as insane who care about the environmental pollution and try to protect the environment and not just see the money.

[Pangolinx1]

Climate change is here and will do far more damage than these "terrorists" ever did. It will destroy more property, kill local economies and kill people directly. Of course pumping massive amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere is legal so that makes it ok.

[shicksox345]

@Pangolinx1 So true, could not have said it better myself. If something is legal does not always make it morally just (legalizing horse slaughter). And just because something is illegal doesn't make it entirely wrong. Just for example, same-sex marriage.

[shock80ey]

@Pangolinx1 Wow very well said. I will be quoting you. 

[clankster0000]

We have laws in this land. Its what separates us from the animals. When anyone decides to not obey they laws, there are consequences. To me, any lazy person can light a match and destroy personal property in the middle of the night like a coward. It takes a person of character to stand up in public, demonstrate and then, through our legal and political system work to make changes.

[ffafii]

@clankster0000

how naive.

the system in the us is corrupt and controlled by the biggest corporations.

you can't make any change through it.

[NathanOzcan]

@ffafii The System in the U.S. is controlled directly by its citizens. If anyone is naive here it is you who feels that you couldn't possibly be assed to go out and campaign, to vote in the right people and to educate others to vote in the right people. Corrupt Politicians don't get into office because of all their money, they get into office because they trick unfortunately ignorant americans. Blowing Stuff Up is hardly the answer. Its the answer of a lazy minority.

[NathanOzcan]

@ffafii I apologize. Of course it can work. The United States of America use that tactic all the time. In Iraq, to change a policy, we just killed the leader, with Al-Qaeda we just killed the leader, in Guatemala, etcetera. Its a great policy if you support means to an end philosophy. However to those who are genuine pacifists in the animal rights and environmental movements you look like a hypocrite because you not only support but act upon policies that you sometimes condemn.

[ffafii]

@NathanOzcan you put killing a human and blowing up a building in the same category? seriously?



[TheTerrorUforgot]

@NathanOzcan Killing doesn't = burning a building down.

[ffafii]

@NathanOzcan

"corrupt politicians don't get into office beacuse of all their money" haha yes, because their own money has nothing to do with it! They become corrupted after the election, when they finally have some power(!!!) and become interesting for billion dollar companies. Some of these corrupt politicians used to be wonderful candidates, but everyone has their price and corporations in US are practically untouchable (watch "Inside Job" for some good examples!)

[NathanOzcan]

@ffafii Their own money has nothing to do with it. People vote them in. Its not their fault or to their credibility that ignorant people are easily swayed by celebrity. These people don't become corrupted after the election....They have lied the entire time. Some people don't have their price. Its sad and unsettling that you continue to blame the "top" when the problem is the bottom.

[ffafii]

@NathanOzcan I blame the top and the bottom.

Everybody has their price and even if there are politics that can not be bought, they are in minority. That's why there are so many laws, that protect the billion dollar companies and not citizens (check the causes of the financial crisis).

[NathanOzcan]

@ffafii For sure man. But ultimately we are to blame for not educating us to a point where we can all see through that B.S. and elect REAL people. (That minority you are talking about). I guess don't be so despondent. We can change the country and the world without violence. Its all about re-education.

[TheTerrorUforgot]

@NathanOzcan There are only two parties anyone will ever vote for and make a different. As much as I loved the positions and policies of Ralph Nader, he has never and will never become president.

There is an example in this film that states the horse slaughtering place they burned down had kept operating for 10 YEARS killing wild horses under protest from the community, who were beaten by cops. They burnt it down and it stopped right away and never reopened.

[NathanOzcan]

@TheTerrorUforgot I don't vote for either of those parties. All it takes is for more people to shed their ignorance, as I try to do, and pick a different person. Its really pretty simple.

[jmstew0319]

@clankster0000 What happens when the very corporations that you are trying to fight through the legal and political system are the same corporations that own the system?

[shock80ey]

@clankster0000 So we have laws therefore we are not animals? Or am I taking your conclusion out of context.

[clankster0000]

@shock80ey No, we are animals. The difference is that we, in most cases, should be able to discern right from wrong.

[shock80ey]

@clankster0000 but you said: " ...it's what separates us from the animals." I took that as you think we are not animals.

"we, in most cases, should be able to discern from right and wrong" We as in humans? Are you saying animals other then humans cannot discern from what is right or wrong?

[Astharot90]

You can't cure cancer (today society) with just words (if you don't belive me just take a look at the history)....you have to do something, you have to figth back the cancer if you really want to save the host (earth/life/us...everything that really matter).

Words, words and always more words. Open your eyes and just look where we live...if you like it than you are fucked up and your place is not here on the Earth but on the moon or mars where you can't destroy life.

[NathanOzcan]

@Astharot90 This is not analogous for many reasons. 1. We HAVE the capacity to change minds with ideas/thoughts/words because we are dealing with our own species. 2. If you assume that todays society is an unstoppable form of cancer, then there is no point fighting against it because cancer almost always wins. 3. Our society is not cancer, it just 'doesn't know' or doesn't understand. By Blowing Shit Up, you don't change society.

[ecofriendlyS]

This is another movie which is proof that no matter how people fight for their rights, scream with their voices to protect Earth from violents and sucrify their life for it american goverment don't give a f**** they just continue to do what they want to do to kill our Earth and everything what grows on it including us and out children. If anyone get fed up with it they call it terrorism. The question is if we people who care are terrorist what is the goverment then ? Angels ?

[Bigbear44]

This movie served to demonstrate how quickly ideals deviate even within a small environmentalist circle. True radical actions should be conducted in solitude.

[vLordChronicv]

This shows how crazy its become. not just with corps. but with terrorism in the middle east.

[SonoColuiCheSono]

ecoterrorism War ..W FBI

[peg1518]

If you want to see some "terrorism" google Ken Saro Wiwa and the Royal Dutch Shell oil case, the albatross chicks who die from being fed plastic garbage from the pacific trash gyre, and some slaughterhouse footage.

When corporations and companies are destroying our planet and making it unlivable so they can personally make huge profits, destroying those corporations and companies is self defense- Kill the planet, kill ourselves along with it.

If you disagree, you're brainwashed.

[threepercenter03]

They call you a "hero" when you do their dirty work for them; a "terrorist" when you oppose them... the Gubment and corporate butt-buddies are the ones who need to answer for what they've done.

[Karolisavenue]

I think this films is interesting but as many people understand that evil is necessary same as good but not everyone understand why evil is necessary. :)

[HeilNizar]

Was the punch sound effect at 1:51 necessary? Seriously

[SpentR]

real smart, show mixing oxidizer and fuel together.. wonder what thats making. Any bomb specialist knows with those and that cheap little rocket igniter what your doing.

[Cocowong123]

The National - Cherry Tree is the song

[filastine]

It's about time. I've been waiting years to see a serious doc about the ELF & Operation Backfire.

[McSheepyFace]

Just saw this film in theaters today. Being from Eugene, I grew up watching a lot of this happening. It's a film worth watching regardless of your viewpoint. Also in today's newspaper, Jake Ferguson was just sentenced to prison for five years for heroin manufacturing and endangering his four year old daughter.

[AveEvropa]

Heroes.

[TheAntiV]

@AveEvropa

Assholes.

[aliberation68]

I just saw this movie an hour ago, and I feel as if my life has changed, Im going back tomorrow to see it. See this movie.

[glitchnoise]

Is this out anywhere online yet? PM me please....

[aliberation68]

@glitchnoise it's been released in theaters tomorrow. check out their website, they have locations on screenings

[suzhuz10]

I would love to see this. These people are bringing attention to the world that humans are destroying it with their mass destruction of the earth. Greed, overpopulation all need to be dealt with and I salute these brave people for making a difference.

[whatshisface371]

What National song is playing at the end?

[SecretofMuffin]

@whatshisface371 Cherry Tree, from the Cherry Tree EP.

[aritasilva2]

@whatshisface371 "cherry tree"

[paul8kangas]

I am opposed to arson, assassinations & capitalism.

Youtube: paul8kangas

[paul8kangas]

I interviewed a Cuban who fought along side Fidel Castro & Che.

I asked them if they had a chance to assassinate Batista, would they?

"J" told me, we had 3 chances to kill Batista.

We knew every move he made. We held meetings to discuss killing Batista.

One meeting went on for 9 hours. Fidel argued against killing Batista. He had reasons why we should not: "We know Batista. We can defeat him because we know him.  We don't know who the US will put in his place."

[LifeIsGoodLydie]

Democracy Now has an excellent interview about this documentary with the co-director Marshall Curry. Check it out. It's under the title : If a Tree Falls”: New Documentary on Daniel McGowan, Earth Liberation Front and Green Scare

[camilahurricane]

I agree with "no victim, no crime". I also think that they are not the ONLY ones doing something effective. I think it is good that so many people are trying in so many different ways to change things. Many people fight hard and spend their whole lives using above ground means of trying to effect change. Forests and the environment would be a whole lot worse off without those folks, too. Theres no perfect tactic for trying to stop the destruction, people pick the way they think is best.

[Ejwoods08]

This looks incredible!

[r3t0dd]

Unlike the rest of the hand-wringing pansies in the environmental movement, these guys have balls and are actually doing something effective. Other groups just sit by and cry while polluters turn the planet into an overheated, acidic, toxic wasteland, fighting a quixotic battle to change the system from within into something more sustainable.

These guys are making it happen. "Terrorist" and "hero" are not mutually exclusive.

I'm sure this comment just put me on some government list. lol. 

[RealityHurts923]

@r3t0dd I personally find it funny how people protest crime yet commit it themselves. You can fight fire with fire but them everything will burn.

[orygunbumkin]

@r3t0dd I see the lone pansy armchair critic as someone far more brave than these anuskissing pseudo-anarchists who were gullible and naive enough to trust each other, especially an ugly piece of shit heroin junkie like Jacob Ferguson. Not only did these actfivities fail to save the environment, the team ratted each other out and fell apart like a house of cards. 

[robertlagogi]

@r3t0dd You are promoting acts of terrorism against USA corporation and you are a threath to our way of life. We will revoke your citizenship and you will be deported to Guantanamo for indefinite detention (a.k.a. the rest of your life) until trial.

[jmstew0319]

@robertlagogi Climate change and the destruction of the planet is more of a threat to your way of life.

[breaks0]

@r3t0dd They don't exist anymore.

[AERONOOB]

i love this so so so much.

meeting people that are willing to things like this is hard.

But so is watching a skinned dog, that still shows signs of life.

[bagomuffinz]

Watched it the other day in Sydney film fest, it was both fascinating and heart breaking recommended viewing!

[free484]

sick!

[wizzard400]

looks amazing! would also like to know about the dvd release date

[FightForTheInnocent]

seriously cannot wait for it to come out! do you have a DVD release date set?

[charbonou2]

NO VICTIM, NO CRIME. 

[chittyx2bangx2]

@charbonou2 That's a moronic way of thinking. You don't wait till there's a victim. Because inevitably there will be one.

What about the people who will lose their jobs because of the loss of industry? Their homes? How do they know an innocent bystander wasn't in the mill? They're victims.

[TrippClaymore]

@charbonou2

If you destroy my property I am a victim.

[pyr0tecnick]

good on you! i can see how some people disagree with your way of doing things but i think its right!