The documentary Rebellion is the first feature-length presentation about the relatively new movement Extinction Rebellion. It combines issues of social freedoms, democracy, and climate change. It is equally illuminating and infuriating.
Also known as XR, Extinction Rebellion was started in 2018 by Roger Hallam, a farmer from Wales. The driving force behind XR is fighting for climate change by any means necessary, which often involves acts of civil disobedience. While the film does focus on Hallam and his efforts, a pivotal figure is Farhana Yamin, a human rights lawyer born in Pakistan. The film explores Yamin’s willingness to do whatever it takes for the cause she believes in.
Yamin was instrumental in the development of the Paris Climate Agreements, most notably her insistence on the promise of net zero emissions by 2050. As part of Extinction Rebellion, in 2019 Yamin was part of a massive protest in England where she glued herself to Shell’s London office. Yamin is emblematic of XR as a whole: they care about fighting climate change and will go to extreme (even law-breaking) lengths to protect it.
The film not only depicts that act of disobedience in 2019. It also illustrates the world’s reaction to it. The UK soon after declared a climate emergency, propelling the issue to the national stage. Countries like Bangladesh and Canada soon made similar announcements. While these developments helped expand XR, the film also focuses on internal strife within the organization. (Yamin as of this writing isn’t part of the group anymore). The youth come to focus, and it’s hard enough to fight climate change without dealing with changes within one’s own organization.
The film is a fascinating exploration, and even more relevant given the state of the world today. With the current administration potentially abandoning climate agreements, as well as weather events ravaging the landscape, it is crucial to not only discuss climate change but actively do something about it. Rebellion would work for current environmental science and/or political science students. It would also work in a film series on current activist movements.
How can Rebellion be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Rebellion can be integrated into public libraries’ collection development as a critical resource for discussions on climate change, social movements, and civil disobedience. It would be valuable in collections focusing on environmental issues, climate action, social justice, and political activism. Libraries can use the film as part of their environmental education or activist film series, providing insight into the global struggle against climate change and how grassroots movements like Extinction Rebellion are shaping public discourse and policy.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Rebellion?
Rebellion would be beneficial for students in various college courses and majors, including:
- Environmental Science: The film directly addresses climate change and activism, providing real-world examples of how environmental policy and grassroots movements interact.
- Political Science: The film’s exploration of climate policy, protests, and activism is highly relevant for students studying political movements, social change, and governmental responses to environmental issues.
- Sociology: Students could study the social dynamics of protest movements and civil disobedience, exploring how organizations like Extinction Rebellion function internally and interact with larger societal forces.
- Film Studies: As a documentary, Rebellion is an example of how film can be used to highlight pressing global issues, making it a valuable resource in courses about documentary filmmaking and media’s role in activism.
- Human Rights and Social Justice: The involvement of activists like Farhana Yamin, who fought for climate justice and human rights, provides valuable material for courses focused on global justice movements and activism.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use Rebellion in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could use Rebellion as part of environmental education initiatives or community engagement events. The film could be screened at community centers to inspire local discussions about climate action and activism. By showing Rebellion, Parks and Recreation programs can encourage community members to become more active in environmental causes, potentially organizing local climate change awareness events, clean-up drives, or sustainability initiatives. It could also serve as a conversation starter for workshops on social justice, democracy, and climate change.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Rebellion?
To screen Rebellion publicly in settings like community centers, libraries, or educational institutions, public performance rights (PPR) must be secured. This involves purchasing the appropriate licensing to show the film in a public or group setting. Institutions hosting these screenings need to verify that they have the necessary PPR for the event to avoid copyright infringement. It's important to arrange for this ahead of time, especially for events that are free or open to the public.
How could Rebellion enhance special events on college campuses?
Rebellion could enhance special events on college campuses by being featured in film festivals, environmental awareness weeks, or as part of political science or sociology classes. The film could also be a key part of panel discussions or debates on climate change, civil disobedience, and activism. Given the film’s focus on youth-led movements and its exploration of protest strategies, it could encourage college students to engage more deeply with environmental and social justice issues. It would provide students an opportunity to analyze contemporary activism and consider their roles in global movements.
Why is Rebellion a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Rebellion is a strong candidate for movie licensing because it focuses on a contemporary and urgent global issue—climate change—and presents it through the lens of one of the most high-profile activist movements of recent years, Extinction Rebellion. With its focus on civil disobedience and the intersections of social justice, democracy, and environmental policy, the film is both timely and thought-provoking, making it highly relevant for educational institutions, public screenings, and community discussions. Its potential to stimulate discussions on activism, political engagement, and climate policy makes it a strong contender for licensing to schools, libraries, and other public venues.