Showdown In Seattle Five Days That Shook The WTO

Screens on Triangle Television from May 17th

Showdown In Seattle documents the celebration of popular resistance and democracy at work in the streets of Seattle late in 1999.

Showdown features a street level, non-corporate perspective with a day by day in-depth analysis of the events and issues highlighted during the WTO ministerial in Seattle in November and December of last year.

With incredible footage of police repression, Showdown provides an indictment of the local police and the workings of the World Trade Organisation.

Each episode is made up of segments shot and edited on location in downtown Seattle by an unprecedented collaboration of video producers working under the umbrella of the Independent Media Centre.

The programmes in this series were produced daily in Seattle and satellite-cast across the U.S. on each day of the WTO ministerial. Showdown In Seattle screens on Triangle Television as part of the Methodist Mission Northern's weekly programme, Heart and Community. The first episode of this five-part series of half-hour programmes screens at 8.30pm Wednesday May 17.

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For further information or to request a preview tape please contact: Erin Johnson Triangle Television Phone: (09) 376-5030 Email: erin@tritv.co.nz

SHOWDOWN IN SEATTLE Five Days That Shook The WTO Programme Outline Showdown In Seattle screens on Triangle Television as part of the Methodist Mission Northern's weekly programme, Heart and Community at 8.30pm Wednesdays. Episode One: Seattle Prelude Screens: 8.30pm May 17th Produced on November 29, 1999 The issues of the WTO ministerial are laid out by Kevin Danaher of Global Exchange, Anuradha Mittal of Food First, and author Michael Parenti. Seattle warms up as thousands pour into the city for week-long rallies and demonstrations and talk about why they are there.

Included are acrobatic banner drops, a building take-over by housing activists and preparations by the Direct Action Network and interviews with Jubilee 2000 participants, labour leaders and congress people. Episode Two: People Unite, Police Riot Screens: 8.30pm May 24th

Produced on November 30, 1999 Direct action blockades by activists delay the beginning of the WTO meetings and are met by Seattle Police and barrages of chemical weapons and rubber bullets. Labour launches their big rally and march through Seattle with nearly every labour leader in attendance making their voices heard.

A segment on how riot batons are manufactured with graphic illustration of their use by Seattle Police. The show culminates with the police blockade of the Independent Media Centre as curfew falls over an uncertain Seattle. Episode Three: Occupied Seattle Screens: 8.30pm May 31st Produced on December 1, 1999 The steelworker's rally is met with police teargas when they venture too close to other protesters. Mary Reeves (National Lawyers Guild) and attorney Amy Kratz examine the legal issues posed by the police abuse of civil liberties.

A segment on Filipino labour history with Dr Carol Pagaduan (Araullo-BAYAN) and activist Liza Largoza-Maza Gabriela. A look at Indigenous issues and the WTO with Tom Gold Tooth (Indigenous Environmental Network), Ciprianna Jurapo (Centre for Investigation and Worker Solidarity) and Carol Kalafatic (International Indian Treaty Council). A critical look at how the media has covered the protests and a revealing video verité walk with a WTO delegate.

Episode Four: Unwilling Captives Screens: 8.30pm June 7th Produced on December 2, 1999 Over 600 arrests and questionable legal processing are discussed in a segment with Larry Hauser (King County Council member) and Doug Hoenig (ACLU) with scenes from King County Jail. Interviews with Seattle locals and bystanders caught in the Police melee. A look at the environmental hostages of WTO economic policy with segments on the Global Free Logging Agreement and Genetic Engineering.

A final segment on the international solidarity of farmers. Show Five: What Democracy Looks Like Screens: 8.30pm June 14th Produced on December 3, 1999 The WTO ends in failure and celebration. Interviews with Victor Menotti (Intl. Forum on Globalisation), John Mwaniki (Zimbabwe delegate), Lori Wallach (Public Citizen), Scott Nova (Citizen Trade Campaign), Mr Shinohara (Japanese delegate) and others.

A look at youth participation in Seattle protests and what the WTO means to them. The Longshoreman Rally closes labour's week of events. An ironic look at holiday shopping in Seattle during the siege. An inside look at the Independent Media Centre and the process that made it work. The series closes with reflections on what was learned and the inspiration people will take home. For further information or to request a preview tape please contact: Erin Johnson Triangle Television Phone: (09) 376-5030 Email: erin@tritv.co.nz

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