Watch Who Bombed Judi Bari?

Who Bombed Judi Bari? is a 2012 documentary film that explores the life of the late environmental activist and feminist, Judi Bari. Directed by Mary Liz Thomson, the film dives into the events leading up to the bombing of Bari's car in Oakland, California in 1990, and the ensuing legal battle that followed. With the help of archival footage, interviews with Bari's colleagues, supporters, and family members, the film provides a thorough investigation into the incident and the complex political and social climate of the time.

The story begins with Bari's arrival in California in the late 1970s, where she became involved in environmental activism and soon found herself leading a grassroots campaign to protect the ancient redwood forests of Northern California from being mowed down by the logging industry. By the 1980s, Bari had emerged as a prominent figure in the Earth First! environmental movement, earning both accolades and fierce opposition from various groups. Her campaign tactics, which often involved confrontational protests and civil disobedience, made her one of the most polarizing figures in the movement, drawing both passionate supporters and vocal critics.

On the morning of May 24th, 1990, Bari's car was bombed as she and fellow activist Darryl Cherney were about to leave for a concert promoting their cause. Despite being severely injured, Bari survived the attack and immediately claimed that she was a victim of a politically-motivated assassination attempt by the logging industry or the FBI. Her claims, however, were met with suspicion and skepticism by many, including the law enforcement agencies investigating the case, who instead accused Bari and Cherney of plotting the bombing themselves.

The film explores the aftermath of the bombing, which became the subject of a controversial trial pitting Bari and Cherney against the FBI and Oakland Police Department. Through interviews with the lawyers and activists involved in the case, the film showcases the complex legal maneuvering and political maneuvering that took place both in and out of the courtroom during the seven-year-long legal battle. The documentary also delves into the personal toll the case took on Bari and her family, and the lasting impact it had on her legacy as an environmental activist.

One of the strengths of the movie is its ability to capture the passion and conviction of Bari's supporters, who saw her as a fearless defender of the environment and social justice. The film features moving testimonies from her friends and colleagues, like David Brower, the founder of the Sierra Club, and Jerry Brown, a former governor and presidential candidate, who speak of Bari's courage and commitment to social change, and the impact she continues to have on the environmental movement. The documentary also highlights the role of feminist and LGBTQ activism in Bari's work and the wider environmental movement.

Overall, Who Bombed Judi Bari? is a compelling and emotionally-charged documentary that sheds light on a pivotal moment in environmental and social justice history in the United States. It is a testament to Bari's legacy as a trailblazing activist, and a call to action for those who continue to fight for a better, more just world.

Who Bombed Judi Bari? is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6 and a MetaScore of 59.