Pickaxe (USA: 2000, 94 mins)

This excellent documentary takes us into another world; the world of rogue loggers and firefighters turned eco-warriors. It is on par with Manufacturing Consent, Waco: The Rules of Engagement, and Breaking the Spell: The Anarchists, Eugene, and the WTO.

An arsonist burns 9000 acres of protected old-growth public forest in Warner Creek in the Willamette National Forest of Oregon, that cannot be logged unless it burns. To stop the proposed “salvage” logging of this incredible ancient forest, citizens are moved to blockade a road and keep the government out. After facing down a bulldozer and the State Police, the fort now known as the gateway to the Cascadia Free State becomes the focus for a developing community dedicated to protecting ancient forests throughout the mountains of Oregon.

The film shows confrontations with disgruntled loggers, mass arrests and a 75-day hunger strike. Back at Warner Creek activists build teepees and remain a living blockade on the logging road through the winter and ten feet of snow. Political pressure begins to shift and the White House promises a deal but not before Federal Agents come to bust the camp and destroy the fort. The story resolves with incredible footage of a mass jail break-in and unconditional victory for the forest. This inspiring documentary is two years in the making, and crafted from footage shot by more than two dozen people involved in the struggle to save Warner Creek.

Years after its release, Pickaxe has become a classic document of the potential for grassroots direct action to achieve victory against the forces of both government and big business. Lovingly crafted by the participants themselves, the film expertly presents every moment, from confrontation to celebration.

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