The Forest for the Trees - Film about environmental activist Judi Bari

This compelling documentary tells the story of an unlikely team of young activists and old lefties who unite around environmental activist Judi Bari's legal battle against the U.S. government. Director Mellis is the daughter of veteran civil rights lawyer Dennis Cunningham, who started out representing the Black Panthers and the Weathermen. Judi was an Earth First! leader whose car was bombed in 1990. Authorities claimed that she bombed herself, and she was arrested as a terrorist—charges that were later dropped. Convinced it was a ploy by the FBI to discredit her, Judi decided to sue. Cunningham took on Judi's case, and after 12 years Judi Bari v. the FBI finally got a court date. The film eloquently depicts the painfully short yet extraordinary life of Judi Bari as well as a piece of U.S. history that everyday grows increasingly resonant.