Showdown in Seattle: Five Days that shook the WTO
150', 1999
Produced for the Independent Media Center and Deep Dish TV by Big Noise Productions, Changing America, Headwaters Action Video Collective, Paper Tiger TV, VideoActive and Whispered Media, with the footage of dozens of video activists working in collaboration with the Independent Media Center-Seattle.
"Showdown in Seattle" features a street level, non-corporate perspective with a day by day in-depth analysis you won't find anywhere else. With incredible footage of police repression, "Showdown" provides an indictment of the local police and the workings of the World Trade Organization. Most significantly, "Showdown" documents the celebration of popular resistance and democracy at work in the streets of Seattle.
Each half hour show is made up of segments shot and edited on location in downtown Seattle by an unprecedented collaboration of video producers from around the U.S. working under the umbrella of the Independent Media Center. The programs in this series were produced daily on location in Seattle and satellitecast across the U.S on each day of the WTO ministerial.
Show One: Seattle Prelude 25 min.
Produced on Nov 29th, satellite cast morning of Nov 30th. The issues of the WTO ministerial are laid out by Kevin Danaher of Global Exchange, Anuradha Mittal of Food First, and author Michael Parenti. Seattle warms up as thousands pour into the city for week-long rallys and demonstrations and speak to the question why we are here. Included are acrobatic banner drops, a building takeover by housing activists and preparations by the Direct Action Network. Interviews with Jubilee 2000 participants, labor leaders and congress people Maxinne Walters and Paul Wellstone.
Show Two: People Unite, Police Riot 28 min.
Produced on Nov 30th, satellitecast morning of Dec. 1st. Direct action blockades by activists delay the beginning of the WTO meetings and are met by Seattle Police and barrages of chemical weapons and rubber bullets. Labor launches their big rally and march through Seattle with nearly every labor leader in attendance making their voices heard. A segment on how riot batons are manufactured with graphic illustration of their (mis)use by Seattle Police. The show culminates with the Police blockade of the Independent Media Center as curfew falls over an uncertain Seattle.
Show Three: Occupied Seattle 28 min.
Produced on Dec. 1st, satellitecast morning of Dec. 2nd.
The SteelworkerÌs rally/march is met with Police teargas when they venture to close to other protesters. Mary Reeves (National Lawyers Guild) and attorney Amy Kratz- examine the legal issues posed by the Police abuse of civil liberties. A segment on Filipino Labor History with Dr. Carol Pagaduan (Araullo-BAYAN) and activist Liza Largoza-Maza Gabriela. A look at Indigenous issues and the WTO with Tom Gold Tooth (Indigenous Environmental Network), Ciprianna Jurapo (Center for Investigation and worker Solidarity) and Carol Kalafatic (International Indian Treaty Council). A critical look at how the media has covered the protests and a revealing video veritÈ walk with a WTO delegate.
Show Four: Unwilling Captives 28 min.
Produced on Dec. 2nd, satellitecast morning of Dec. 3rd.
Over 600 arrests and questionable legal processing are discussed in a segment with Larry Hauser (King County Council member) and Doug Hoenig (ACLU) with scenes from King County Jail. Interviews with Seattle locals and bystanders caught in the Police melee. A look at the environmental hostages of WTO economic policy, with segments on the Global Free Logging Agreement and Genetic Engineering. A final segment on the international solidarity of farmers with French farmer Jose BovÈ, Ralph Nader, Jim Hightower and Vandana Shiva.
Show Five: What Democracy Looks Like 28 min.
Produced on Dec. 3rd, satellitecast morning of Dec. 4th. The WTO ends in failure and celebration. Interviews with Victor Menotti (Int.Forum on Globalization), John Mwaniki (Zimbabwe delegate), Lori Wallach (Public Citizen), Scott Nova (Citizen Trade Campaign), Mr. Shinohara (Japanese Delegate) and others. A look at the youth participation in Seattle protests and what the WTO means to them . The Longshoreman Rally closes laborÌs week of events. An ironic look at holiday shopping in Seattle during the siege. An inside look at the Independent Media Center and the process that made it work. The series closes with reflection on what was learned and the inspirations people will take home.
