If a Tree Falls: A Story of
the Earth Liberation Front
premieres Sept. 13, 2011 on POV
Read what critics have to say about If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, a documentary that explores two of America’s most pressing issues — environmentalism and terrorism…
“One of the best documentaries of the year. (Critic’s Choice)”
— Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
“The film’s sobriety and carefully balanced arguments make it an exemplary piece.”
— Stephen Holden, The New York Times
“A compelling doc about radical environmentalism… informative, compelling.”
— Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter
“Engaging… The film addresses thorny issues surrounding deforestation, dissent and civil (and uncivil) disobedience in the post-9/11 era.”
— Anthony Kaufman, Speakeasy blog, The Wall Street Journal
“A gimlet-eyed glimpse into the roots of terrorism and the politics behind its prosecution… Curry provides a concise, temperate but penetrating history of how the ELF came to be… the footage Curry collects has to be seen to be believed…Curry lays out the strategies of the ELF with precision and clarity, abetted by handsome animation and terrific ancillary players.”
— John Anderson, Variety
“A great film for anyone who likes to think about some of the most important, difficult issues of our time.”
— Rick Marianetti, Examiner.com
“The gripping documentary If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earht Liberation Front offers an intimate look at the radical environmental group… Packs… visceral punch.”
— Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
“One of the more personal and intimate environmental docs in recent memory… It’s a powerful tale; one guaranteed to generate heated discussion.”
— Steve Ramos, Box Office Magazine
If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front lifts the veil on a radical environmental group the FBI calls America’s “number one domestic terrorism threat.” Daniel McGowan, a former member of the Earth Liberation Front, faces life in prison for two multimillion-dollar arsons against Oregon timber companies. What turned this working-class kid from Queens into an eco-warrior? Marshall Curry (Oscar-nominated Street Fight, POV 2005) provides a nuanced and provocative account that is part coming-of-age story, part cautionary tale and part cops-and-robbers thriller.
Watch If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, premiering on PBS, Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 10 PM. (Check local listings.)
