Watch Confessions of an Eco-Terrorist
- NR
- 2012
- 1 hr 30 min
-
7.7 (367)
Confessions of an Eco-Terrorist is a documentary film from 2010 that explores the world of environmental activism and the radical tactics that some activists have taken in the fight to save the planet. The film follows Peter Brown, a former member of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), and his comrades as they recount their experiences fighting against corporations and governments that they believe are destroying the environment.
The film is named after the book of the same name by Captain Paul Watson, the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who also appears in the film. The book and film are a collection of stories from environmental activists who have engaged in direct action, including arson, sabotage, and other illegal activities. The film follows the personal journey of Peter Brown as he reflects on his involvement with the ELF and his decision to turn himself in to the FBI in 2005.
Throughout the film, Brown and his colleagues recount some of the group's most audacious acts, including the burning of a ski resort in Vail, Colorado, and the sabotage of a genetically modified crop research station in England. They explain their reasons for undertaking such actions, arguing that they were necessary to draw attention to the destructive practices of corporations and to prompt meaningful change.
The film also includes interviews with other prominent environmental activists, including Robert Hunter, a co-founder of Greenpeace, and Paul Watson, who discusses his own efforts to protect whales and other marine life. The interviews shed light on the different tactics and strategies that activists have used over the years, from peaceful protests to more confrontational direct action.
While the film presents a sympathetic portrayal of the environmental activists featured, it also acknowledges the risks and consequences that come with such actions. The filmmakers show footage of the arrest and imprisonment of some of the activists, including Brown, who was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
The film does not shy away from the controversy surrounding eco-terrorism, with many arguing that the tactics used by groups like the ELF are counterproductive and harmful to the cause of environmentalism. However, the filmmakers present the perspective that such actions may be necessary in cases where more traditional methods have failed to bring about change.
Overall, Confessions of an Eco-Terrorist is a thought-provoking documentary that offers insight into a world of activism that is often overlooked or dismissed by mainstream society. It raises questions about the ethics of direct action and the role of individuals in effecting meaningful change. Whether one agrees with the tactics used by the activists featured or not, the film provides an important perspective on the urgent need to protect the planet and the many challenges that lie ahead.