Who Bombed Judi Bari?
Who Bombed Judi Bari?

Movie spotlight

Who Bombed Judi Bari?

2012
Movie
95 min
English

Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney were falsely arrested for car-bombing themselves on May 24, 1990 while on an Earth First! musical organizing tour for Redwood Summer. They sued the FBI for violations of the First Amendment, claiming the FBI knew they were innocent but arrested them to try to silence them. Having survived the bomb but now stricken by cancer, Judi Bari, a leader of the movement to save California's old growth redwoods, gives her on-camera, deathbed testimony about the attempt on her life and her colorful organizing history with the radical environmental movement Earth First.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Mary Liz ThomsonGenres: Documentary, Crime

Plot Summary

This documentary investigates the 1990 bombing of environmental activist Judi Bari's car, which severely injured her. The film explores the subsequent investigation by the FBI and local law enforcement, who quickly pointed the finger at Bari herself, suggesting she bombed her own car to frame eco-terrorists. It delves into the evidence, the activists' claims of a frame-up, and the broader context of the intense environmental and timber industry conflicts in Northern California during that era.

Critical Reception

The film was generally well-received by critics for its compelling investigation into a controversial and unresolved case. It was praised for highlighting the complexities of activism, law enforcement tactics, and the pursuit of justice for a figure who was both celebrated and vilified. Audience reception focused on the film's thought-provoking narrative and its deep dive into a significant moment in environmental history.

What Reviewers Say

  • A gripping and important examination of an unresolved injustice.

  • Sheds light on the tactics used against environmental activists.

  • Raises serious questions about the FBI's investigation and motives.

Google audience: No specific Google user ratings or summaries are readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Screened at various film festivals, including the Seattle International Film Festival and the Mill Valley Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film features extensive archival footage and interviews with key figures involved in the case, including Bari's former partner and fellow activist Darryl Cherney, who has tirelessly worked to uncover the truth behind the bombing.

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