This video is from a Nov. 9th, 2012 march by hundreds of supporters on several banks in Los Angeles (including Deutsche Bank, as well as Wells Fargo, BNY Mellon, and Bank of America) to protest illegal foreclosures, the banks' greed, and a corrupt system built to enrich the wealth of a few at the expense of the 99%. The video features interviews and speeches from Occupy activists from southern California, and members of other groups including Occupy The Hood, the American Indian Movement, and LA residents facing foreclosure and homelessness.
What happens when growing economic inequality in America bears heavily on its people? The new short film "99%," directed by Celik Kayalar, founder and director of the Film Acting Bay Area school, asks viewers to contemplate that question. At the center of the fictional story is Anne Page, a struggling young schoolteacher who is searching for answers of her own, while the Occupy Movement looms large as a backdrop. “We are all Anne Page," Kayalar says. The film also features Noam Chomsky and film and TV actor Carl Lumbly.
"This documentary is an invitation to you to participate in positive change," reads one of the title cards in "American Autumn: an Occudoc," which was shot on the front lines and meeting spaces of the Occupy Movement in New York, Boston and Washington, DC, from its earliest days through the end of January 2012. With interviews and insight from key organizers, thinkers and activists including Medea Benjamin, David Degraw, Dr. Margaret Flowers, Lee Camp, Naomi Klein, Nathan Schneider, Ashley Sanders, Vlad Teichberg, Sgt. Shamar Thomas, Dr. Cornel West, Kevin Zeese and many more, writer and director Dennis Trainor, Jr weaves commentary and a fearless style that often puts the viewer right between the police and the protesters.
The film includes an original score by Goldi, a member of the OWS Guitarmy, and the legendary punk band FUGAZI supplied additional songs.
"I am a 27 year old veteran of the Iraq War. I enlisted to protect the American people, but ended up making profits for politically-connected contractors. I returned to a country whose economy had been devastated by bankers with the same connections and the same lack of ethics. It might be cliche by now, but this is the second time I’ve fought for my country and the first time I’ve known my enemy. I am the 99%."
The largest student protest in the history of Canada is taking place. The premier of the Canadian province says that the police violence used against the uprising is keeping the public safe. The images you are about to see say otherwise.
What do you do when banks that took billions in taxpayer dollars foreclose on those very same taxpayers? Why, you foreclose on the banks, of course! Occupy Miami decides to move into Wells Fargo and another set of occupiers get comfy in a Bank of America. Check it out and get inspired.
On 12 May people around the world will rise up again responding to the global call for action. In London, protesters will visit those who gambled with their futures and deliver their very own personal messages to them.
"Our city has lost its pride. It’s been stolen. Our politicians, regulators and those who were meant to be looking after things sold us out. Who is benefiting?"
So begins Occupy London's call to action, issued for May 12, when "people around the world will rise up again responding to the global call for action that marks the birth of the indignados movement."
The video they've created is an invitation to occupy London, home to plenty of 1 percenters, the banksters "who gambled with our pensions and savings, created financial nonsense to make money out of thin air, paid hundreds of thousands to wine and dine with our ‘elected’ representatives, were bailed out, evaded billions in taxes and secured 40% of the world’s wealth for themselves.
"On 12 May, we’ll deliver our very own personal messages to them. Be creative: come dressed as your least favorite banker, tax evader, corporate tycoon, politician, vampire squid, and company CEO. Bring stickers, monopoly money, caution tape, placards, faux awards, pots, pans, bullhorns, conches, tents, stereos, war horns or any other “random acts of kindness” you like."
This post-May Day action is still in the planning stages, so if you have any ideas for guerilla theatre or other creative direct action, go here.
This black and white short film based on the WWII film "Prelude To Peace: Why We Fight" replaces the WWII film's era imagery with news footage and clips of notable Occupy Wall Street moments, as well as those of other Occupies around the nation.
It's a really interesting way to look at the movement, as if you're watching something that took place during someone else's lifetime.
99 Picket Lines
Midtown Manhattan
Community groups, unions, affinity groups and OWS more info
Pop-up Occupation with Mutual Aid (unpermitted) 8am–2pm, Bryant Park, Manhattan
Occupy Wall Street more info
May Day Morning Commute from Brooklyn
8:00am, Maria Hernandez Park, Brooklyn
Free Coffee + Breakfast! MARCH from Knickerbocker to Flushing to Broadway to Continental Army Plaza
Occupy Williamsburg, Occupy Bushwick more info
