Watch This Is What Democracy Looks Like

This Is What Democracy Looks Like is a documentary film directed by Jill Friedberg and Rick Rowley that captures the tumultuous protests and demonstrations that took place during the 1999 World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Seattle. The film features a cast of real-life activists, organizers, and ordinary citizens who decided to take to the streets to protest against the WTO and its pro-corporate, anti-democratic agenda.

The documentary begins by introducing the viewer to some of the key players in the Seattle protests, including Noam Chomsky, a well-known linguist and political commentator, Michael Franti, a musician and activist, and Carley Phelan, a college student who became involved in activism after witnessing the brutal suppression of protests in East Timor. These individuals help to provide context and analysis for the events that are unfolding on screen, explaining why the WTO is such a controversial and divisive institution, and how its policies have directly contributed to the widening wealth gap and environmental degradation.

As the film progresses, we see the massive scale of the protests and the intensity of the clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The streets of Seattle are filled with tens of thousands of people, representing a diverse array of causes and communities, from environmentalists to labor unions to indigenous rights groups. They are united by a shared sense of anger and frustration at the WTO and the global economic order it represents.

The filmmakers use a variety of techniques to convey the chaos and energy of the protests. They intercut footage of police brutality and tear-gas-filled streets with interviews with organizers and powerful speeches from activists like Vandana Shiva and José Bové. They also incorporate powerful audio from police scanners and walkie-talkies, which adds to the sense of urgency and danger.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way it centers the experiences and perspectives of ordinary people who were part of the protests. We see footage of young activists chaining themselves to doors and stopping traffic, as well as touching scenes of union members and farmers from around the world marching together in solidarity. The film highlights the voices of those who are often ignored or marginalized in mainstream media coverage, such as indigenous leaders speaking about the impact of the WTO on their traditional lands and cultures.

This Is What Democracy Looks Like also examines the role of the media in portraying the protests. The filmmakers show how major news outlets initially ignored or downplayed the demonstrations, only to later sensationalize the violence and property damage that occurred. The film argues that this skewed portrayal of the events in Seattle was part of a broader effort to delegitimize and discredit social movements that challenge the status quo.

Despite the intense clashes and mass arrests that occurred during the protests, the film ultimately ends on a note of hope and possibility. We see footage of activists and organizers from around the world coming together to strategize and build solidarity, and we hear from participants who feel that the protests represented a turning point in the fight for social justice and democratic governance. This Is What Democracy Looks Like thus presents a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a key moment in contemporary activism, one that continues to resonate and inspire to this day.

In conclusion, This Is What Democracy Looks Like is a powerful and moving documentary that captures the energy, passion, and complexity of the protests that took place during the 1999 WTO meeting in Seattle. Through a mix of on-the-ground footage, powerful speeches, and interviews with activists and ordinary citizens, the film provides a nuanced and insightful portrayal of the forces and ideas that drove the protests, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing social movements today. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the intersection of democracy, social justice, and global politics.

This Is What Democracy Looks Like is a 2000 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.