Watch The Fourth World War

The Fourth World War is a 2004 documentary film that chronicles the struggles of grassroots activists from around the world who are fighting against global capitalism, war, and government repression. The film is directed by Richard Rowley and is a collaborative effort between independent filmmakers from more than ten countries. Throughout the film, viewers are taken on a journey through the streets of cities like Seattle, Genoa, and New York, where massive protests against the World Trade Organization, G8, and other capitalist institutions took place in the early 2000s. We see how activists, from all walks of life, come together to voice their dissent against globalization and its associated injustices.

The documentary also features numerous inspiring interviews with activists, including Michael Franti and Suheir Hammad. Franti, a musician, and activist, is known for his anti-war stances as well as his work in promoting social justice issues. In the film, Franti shares his personal experiences of traveling to Iraq and witnessing the devastating effects of war on the civilian population. Palestinian-American poet Hammad, on the other hand, speaks about her activism in the United States, where she campaigns for the rights of those impacted by the war on terror and other forms of oppression.

The Fourth World War is a visually striking film that utilizes a mix of raw footage, interviews, and news clips to tell its story. The film is a call to action for all individuals who are seeking to make a positive change in the world. It invites viewers to look beyond the headlines and to see the interconnectedness of various struggles for social justice.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are shown how capitalism, war, and government repression affect individuals and communities in different parts of the world. We see how indigenous people in Mexico, for example, are fighting against the privatization of water, while Palestinian activists are struggling against the ongoing colonization of their land by the Israeli state. The film also highlights the role of struggles against imperialism, particularly in countries like Haiti, where US-backed coups have repeatedly toppled democratically elected governments.

One of the strengths of the film is that it is not afraid to showcase the diversity of tactics employed by activists in their struggles. From nonviolent direct action to armed resistance, the film shows how different tactics are used in different contexts and how they complement each other. For example, we see how street protests can be combined with community organizing and alternative media to build a powerful movement capable of challenging the status quo.

Throughout the film, the soundtrack provides a powerful accompaniment to the visuals, with music from artists such as Franti and his band Spearhead as well as Ani DiFranco and DJ Spooky. The use of music serves to highlight the emotional impact of the struggles portrayed in the film and reinforces the message that these struggles are not simply political, but deeply personal.

The Fourth World War is a film that is still relevant today, almost two decades after its release. The issues it raises, from the dangers of global capitalism to the need for solidarity between social movements, remain urgent and pressing. The film is a reminder that change does not come easily or quickly, but is the result of sustained struggle and collective action.

In conclusion, The Fourth World War is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that is essential viewing for anyone interested in social justice and political activism. It portrays the challenges facing grassroots movements around the world and offers a vision for a more just and equitable future.

The Fourth World War is a 2003 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.