Fairy Creek

It’s likely there will be more films and books on the stand-off at Fairy Creek 2020-21. After all, this is considered the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history; more than 1200 protestors were arrested (for comparison, less than 300 arrests were made at the truckers’ convoy in Ottawa). And the story isn’t really over. The BC Liberals suspended logging in this precious old growth forest and have twice extended the deferment, but no final decision has been made. What Jen Muranetz’s film gives us is the story from the front line, from the activists’ point of view (often, from the treetops), a searing sense of anger at the costly RCMP response, and sadness that so much has already been lost. The film also acknowledges the complexity of the situation at Fairy Creek, where the Pacheedaht First Nation’s tribal council had an agreement with Teal Jones lumber corporation, and even the tensions within the protest movement itself.

Jun 6: Q&A with director Jen Muranetz and producer Sepehr Samimi

Through documenting these protests, Muranetz codifies a moment in Canadian history that, as of writing, remains unresolved (current logging deferments are only temporary). By expanding the purview of the film to explore the nuances of protest and environmentalism, Fairy Creek goes a step beyond a straight snapshot in time. It becomes a necessary film for those believing they’re fighting the good fight to consider their actions and motivations.

Rachel Ho, POV magazine

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