SHUTDOWN The Rise & Fall of Direct Action to Stop the War

SHUTDOWN documents a piece of the continuous struggle towards social justice. Using the March 20, 2003 occupation and disruption of the San Francisco Financial District as a case study, the film casts a thoughtful eye on one of the most successful actions of the current anti-war movement, facilitated by Direct Action to Stop the War (DASW). Created to gain insight, inspire, and draw lessons the movie tells the story of how social justice organizers and everyday people came together to plan and shut down the financial district of a major US city.

The film includes details of what made the action successful, followed by reflections from DASW participants on the many obstacles and failings of the organizing model and organizing culture (broken into themes such as race and gender inequality, lack of long-term strategy, tyranny of the articulate and police repression).

Using interviews, video shot by activists, news footage, photos, fliers and newspaper articles from the time of the events Shutdown exhibits the excitement, outrage, and drama on the streets in the Spring of 2003 as the US Government escalated its war on Iraq.

The story is built around 17 interviewees who share recollections of their experiences during the heated months prior to and following the invasion. Included are the voices of community organizers, teachers, global justice organizers, arts activists, Arab civil liberties advocates, queer activists, and environmental campaigners.

Their reflections also explore actions following the SF shutdown, which attempted to link the politics of war to health care and education cuts, and the difficulties of maintaining a functional organization in the face of media spin, police violence, lack of resources, disorientation and low morale.

Street footage of arrests, blockades, mass marches and a spectacular array of people and banners is intermingled with the visual metaphors of fire, bicycles and chainsaws to give a sense of the chaos of being in the protest. Meanwhile, the clarity of hindsight is maintained throughout with interviews of participants reflecting on the events and their implications.

Because of their involvement with D.A.S.W., the film makers worked hard to accurately portray the movement they depict by hosting several community screenings to receive feedback and critique from other activists -going so far as to change the final production to incorporate suggestions and concerns.

Shutdown the Movie Promotional Flyer