Tonkel+Forest+for+the+Trees

1. Forest for the Trees directed by Laura Mays released in 2005. 2. The film surrounds the life work of Judi Barry, and how she fought against deforestation and the corruption in our legal system. Her life was devoted to saving the trees and because of her passion she found herself going up in court against the FBI in order to show the public the truth about who controls this country, because as of right now it is certainly not the people. 3. Many sustainability problems are addressed, some that are fairly obvious and others than may not be. The main problem is the issue of deforestation and how it not only destroys ecosystems, but decreases the planets ability to process CO2, and causes flooding and other devastating effects to the community. After that the film moves to the issue of media and how information is seen by the public. Very few people heard Judy Barry’s side of the story of her car explosion, and yet everyone knows her as the crazy activist that blew herself up on accident. The way our sources of information are allowed to distort or even lie about the information the public gets is a massive problem to creating a sustainable world. Political and legal entities are so tied together that it blocks any sustainable reform. In this film the FBI, and its leaders were able to cover up and distort the information leaked in order to help the logging companies and shut down activism that opposes government decisions. Lastly, our economic system thrives on violence and fighting between members of the public. It keeps people focused on arguing and often distorts the blame away from the large companies. The activists fight with the loggers themselves and issues of safety get thrown out in the media when really the heads of the companies keep on making money and destroying the forests. 4. The most compelling part of the film was when it went over the evidence that was used to incriminate Judy Barry. Any person could clearly see that the explosion was under the front seat because it blew right threw the floor, also the fact that there were nails in her trunk that clearly didn’t even match the ones used. Also if someone could put a bomb in the car there is nothing stopping them from throwing a bag of nails in the trunk. Lastly the fact that someone with no previous criminal record could be convicted for being a part of a group that only some people consider dangerous, with no evidence is observed. It’s hard to trust that the truth will be revealed when clearly it is so easy for those who are suppose to protect us to falsify or distort evidence. 5. I also find it hard to be unconvinced by any part of a film. When I come into a film knowing what I do and being so questioning of our system I usually take all parts of the film as convincing. I would however be very interested to find out what someone who maybe has different views as I do try and poke holes in the film. 6. This film really makes me think about the power that our legal system has and our law enforcement system has. Very rarely do you ever hear about the FBI or entire police force abusing their powers, if it is every shown to the public it is often placed on one officer so that the whole don’t get in trouble. After watching this I want to do some digging to find out just how often these types of cover-ups happen. It is very important to make sure that those who are protecting us are moral and responsible. “Who Guards the Guardians.” Without moral and responsible people in charge it is impossible to create change that we need to become sustainable. Now days when so many things rely on action from governments this is very important. 7. Often I believe the best viewers of an environmental film are those that aren’t aware of any issues and hate change because it will do them the most good to see a convincing and eye opening documentary. However for this movie I think the best audience is those that are really involved and working towards change because it shows all the possible road blocks, frustrations and situations that one might encounter. It also gives hope. Even though the lawyers didn’t even get a trial for Judy until after she was dead they stayed strong and eventually got there time to fight. I know that I often get discourage when I think about how much we need to change the way we live and how our system works but this film shows that eventually you will get your chance. 8. The film suggests both legal and demonstrational action. Judy Barry was an inspiration because she safely and loudly spoke for what she believed in whether through speeches songs or other usual forms of protest. The other idea that we can fight within our legal system to help these causes is very important too. Even though the outcome is never what is expected taking legal action gets both publicity and makes the people responsible address the issues. 9. I think this film was educational because it shows a new way of looking at a story that most people may know. It also provides great images and reminders of the tragedy. The images of the bombed car, Judy Barry singing at a rally, and the face of the old lawyer stick in my mind because they are shocking, hopefully and timeless. The fact that Judy could still be so happy to fight for her cause after such a shocking ordeal is amazing and something that everyone could learn from.