Opération SalAMI: Les Profits Ou La Vie?
Directed by Anna Paskal, Malcolm Guy, Magnus Isacsson1999 53mDocumentary
-Their names are Linda, Sébastien, Freya, Philippe or Viviane. They are between 20 and 60 years old. Idealism has no age. Together with about 100 others, they meticulously prepared, in Montreal (Canada), an act of civil disobedience to "do their part" in denouncing a draft Multilateral agreement on investment (M.A.I.) by blocking the entrances to a major conference. 'Pressure Pointis' the inspiring, suspense-filled story of how a popular movement succeeds in shelving a greedy multi-national pact designed to buttress global corporate power. Zeroing in on the Montreal Blockade against the M.A.I. (Multilateral Agreement on Investment), this stunningly filmed 52-minute documentary chronicles a daring civil disobedience action against the increasing impact of globalization. Arms linked, using nothing but their bodies, the 100-odd activists block several entrances of a luxurious downtown Montreal hotel to prevent key M.A.I. proponents from attending a $1,000-a-plate high-level international finance conference. Without flinching, they face the onslaught of riot-police truncheons and almost certain arrest, while several hundred supporters chant in the background. Later, there will be the sweet taste of victory when the pact is rescinded, following similar actions in other major centers. But more than an action film, 'Pressure Pointis' a revealing behind-the-scenes look at activism today. Focusing on four neophyte militants, the camera tells the story of the doubts and determination of Linda, a teacher, Sébastien, a social worker, Freya, an environmental worker, and her mother, Vivian, an artist, as they come to grips with the risks involved in confronting police, politicians and big business. It tracks the resolve on their faces as they go through non-violent civil disobedience training in preparation the upcoming confrontation with police. Reminiscent of the late 1960s, yet dealing with the globalizing 1990s, it is a story about how ordinary citizens can make a difference against seemingly impossible odds.
