Watch Big Boys Gone Bananas!*

In the documentary film Big Boys Gone Bananas!*, director Fredrik Gertten explores the story of Dole Food Company's attempt to silence his previous documentary, Bananas!*. The film follows Gertten and his team as they navigate the legal battles and public relations nightmare that ensued after Dole accused them of defamation. The film begins with the original Bananas!* documentary, which exposed Dole's alleged use of a banned pesticide in Nicaragua and its harmful effects on workers. Dole vehemently denied these claims and launched an aggressive campaign to undermine the film, including discrediting witnesses who appeared in the documentary and threatening legal action.

Big Boys Gone Bananas!* shows how Dole's tactics were aimed not only at Gertten and the film, but also at the broader issue of free speech and the ability of independent journalists to bring important information to light. The film includes interviews with journalists, lawyers, and activists who discuss the impact of corporate power on the media and the challenges of standing up to multinational corporations.

Throughout the film, Gertten and his team face numerous setbacks and challenges as they try to counter Dole's campaign. They encounter resistance from film festivals and journalists who fear legal action, and struggle to find support for their cause. At the same time, they receive overwhelming support from activists and people around the world who see their struggle as a symbol of larger issues of power and accountability.

One of the most compelling aspects of Big Boys Gone Bananas!* is the way it shows the personal toll that Dole's campaign takes on Gertten and his team. They are subjected to constant harassment and threats, and Gertten himself is accused of being a terrorist and a criminal. As the pressure mounts, Gertten wonders if the film is worth the cost, and the audience is left to question whether the fight for truth and justice is always worth the personal sacrifice.

Overall, Big Boys Gone Bananas!* is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on important issues of corporate power, free speech, and media accountability. While it may not have the same wide appeal as more mainstream documentaries, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of power, politics, and the media.