Trade Off tells the story of the five days in Seattle that shook the world in 1999 when the World Trade Organization's first meeting on US soil was met with protests of tens of thousands of people from a broad coalition of diverse communities never seen before. Violent media images of "The Battle in Seattle" captured international headlines but did not answer key questions about what was at stake. Shot on location, this balanced overview of the protests provides a voyeuristic exploration of this important week of protest and the people's movement that continues to build across the United States and around the world.
Featuring activists, organizers, and policy experts from around the globe who worked to raise awareness and bring the world to the streets of Seattle--including José Bové (Farmers Confederation), Mike Dolan (Public Citizen), Jim Hoffa (Brotherhood of Teamsters), Martin Kohr (Third World Network), Jerry Mander (International Forum on Globalization), Mohau Pheko (African Women's Caucus), Carl Pope (Sierra Club), Han Shan (Ruckus Society), and Vandana Shiva (Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology). Hear from politicians on both sides of the barricades, including Charlene Barshefsky (US Trade Rep), Bill Clinton (US President), Tom Hayden (CA State Sentator) and Michael Moore (WTO). Music and satire from the other Michael Moore (Roger and Me), Jello Biafra, Laura Love Band, Seize the Day, and Michael Frati (Spearhead).
The issues raised by Trade Off are those faced by civil society--the effects of global trade policy on the environment and health, food and agriculture, labor and human rights, and the future of democracy around the world.
Featuring activists, organizers, and policy experts from around the globe who worked to raise awareness and bring the world to the streets of Seattle--including José Bové (Farmers Confederation), Mike Dolan (Public Citizen), Jim Hoffa (Brotherhood of Teamsters), Martin Kohr (Third World Network), Jerry Mander (International Forum on Globalization), Mohau Pheko (African Women's Caucus), Carl Pope (Sierra Club), Han Shan (Ruckus Society), and Vandana Shiva (Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology). Hear from politicians on both sides of the barricades, including Charlene Barshefsky (US Trade Rep), Bill Clinton (US President), Tom Hayden (CA State Sentator) and Michael Moore (WTO). Music and satire from the other Michael Moore (Roger and Me), Jello Biafra, Laura Love Band, Seize the Day, and Michael Frati (Spearhead).
The issues raised by Trade Off are those faced by civil society--the effects of global trade policy on the environment and health, food and agriculture, labor and human rights, and the future of democracy around the world.
Directed by Shaya Mercer
Produced by Thomas Lee Wright
Director of photography Chris Towey
Editor Charlotte Stobbs
90 minutes, color
Distributed by Eatwell Media
www.eatwellmedia.com
Produced by Thomas Lee Wright
Director of photography Chris Towey
Editor Charlotte Stobbs
90 minutes, color
© Wright Films 2000
A Wright Films ProductionDistributed by Eatwell Media
www.eatwellmedia.com
