Directed by Beth Gage & George Gage
Tells the story of Tim DeChristopher's extraordinary, ingenious and effective act of civil disobedience drawing attention to the need for action on climate change.
BIDDER 70 is Tim DeChristopher, the student who monkey-wrenched the 2008 fraudulent Bureau of Land Management Oil and Gas Lease Auction. Bidding $1.8 million to save 22,000 acres of pristine Utah wilderness surrounding Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, with no intention to pay or drill, Tim brought the BLM auction to an abrupt halt. A month later, Barack Obama became president and on February 4, 2009, new Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, invalidated the entire BLM Auction.
Nevertheless, DeChristopher was indicted on two federal felonies facing penalties of up to ten years in prison and $750,000 in fines. During the two years awaiting his trial, DeChristopher stepped up his activism, evolved into a climate justice leader, and waited through nine trial postponements until, on February 28, 2011 his trial began. BIDDER 70 is Tim's journey from economics student to incarcerated felon.
Amonst those featured are Bill McKibben, James Hansen, Robert Redford, John Schuchardt, David Harris, Larry Gibson, Terry Tempest Williams, and members of Salt Lake City's Peaceful Uprising.
Awards
~ Best US Feature Film, Traverse City Film Festival
~ Moving Mountains Award, Mountainfilm in Telluride
~ People's Choice & Spirit of Activism Awards, Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival
~ Best Film & Audience Award, Frozen River Film Festival
~ Audience Choice & Green Fire Awards, American Conservation Film Festival
~ Best of Festival & Best of Category Awards, Montana Cine Film Festival
~ Best Documentary & Act Now Awards, Crested Butte Film Festival
~ Fork in the Road Award, Greentopia Film Festival
~ Audience Award, Driftless Film Festival
|