*** Cinecenta Passes not accepted for VFF Films***

The blockades protesting the logging of the Fairy Creek watershed on Vancouver Island — one of the last remaining stands of old-growth timber in B.C. — marked the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history. Over a two-year period, director Muranetz offers an intimate look behind the scenes of the protest, capturing the relentless struggle of the activists who battled not only the logging company but also the RCMP, who were tasked with enforcing court orders granting the loggers access to the land. 

Muranetz skillfully documents the inventive and resourceful tactics used by the protesters, the strong sense of community that formed within the blockade, and the intricate coordination that sustained their efforts. The film also doesn’t shy away from the violence that erupted as police used force and tear gas to break through protest lines, underscoring the physical and emotional toll on both the protesters and the authorities. 

At its core, Fairy Creek is a study of relationships. Muranetz captures the complex dynamic between protesters and the RCMP, whose interactions, shaped by two years of constant engagement, range from hostile to unexpectedly familiar. The film also explores the tensions within the Indigenous community itself, with some members supporting the protests and others opposing them, as well as the friction between Indigenous and settler factions within the movement. 

While the Pacheedaht First Nation and Teal Jones Group declined to participate in the film, potentially leaving it open to accusations of bias, Muranetz wisely focuses on the people within the protest and the diversity of perspectives that shaped their collective action. This approach adds depth and nuance, making the film a poignant reflection of human values, conflict, and solidarity in the face of environmental and social struggle. – RW