Watch Freedom Archives: Cointelpro 101

Freedom Archives: Cointelpro 101 is a powerful and eye-opening documentary that details the inner workings of a controversial and little-known government program designed to suppress political dissent in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. The film features interviews with former Black Panther Kathleen Cleaver, renowned author and activist Ward Churchill, and a number of other academics, historians, and activists who have studied and experienced the effects of the FBI's Counterintelligence Program (Cointelpro) firsthand.

Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a journey through the history of Cointelpro, from its inception in the aftermath of World War II to its eventual dismantling in the mid-1970s. Along the way, the documentary sheds light on the many ways in which this program targeted and harassed activists, dissidents, and other individuals deemed to be threats to national security.

Through archival footage, interviews, and a wealth of other sources, the film takes a deep dive into the ways in which Cointelpro operated, including the use of wiretaps, informant infiltration, and other forms of covert surveillance. It also explores the impact that these tactics had on the lives and work of activists such as Cleaver and Churchill, who were labeled as enemies of the state and subject to intense persecution by government agencies.

The documentary also examines the broader social and political context in which Cointelpro emerged, and the underlying motivations that drove its creation. Through interviews with experts and scholars, the film highlights the ways in which Cointelpro was part of a broader trend of government repression and control, particularly in response to the rise of leftist and civil rights movements of the era.

One of the film's most striking aspects is the way in which it connects the dots between historical events and contemporary political realities. Through interviews with activists and scholars who continue to work in social justice movements today, the film shows how the tactics and strategies of Cointelpro have continued to shape the political landscape in the United States, from the war on terror to the current protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

Overall, Freedom Archives: Cointelpro 101 is a powerful and essential documentary that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history, and makes clear the ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and equity in our society today.