Watch The Fight
- 2017
- 29 min
The Fight is a powerful and timely documentary about the ongoing battle to protect civil rights in America. Directed by Elyse Steinberg, Josh Kriegman, and Eli Despres, the film follows a team of lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as they challenge some of the Trump administration's most controversial policies. The ACLU is a non-profit organization that has been fighting for civil liberties since its founding in 1920. With over 1.5 million members and supporters, the ACLU is one of the most respected and effective organizations in the country. In The Fight, we see how the ACLU has become a key player in the fight against the Trump administration.
The film begins with the Muslim Ban, a policy that was implemented by President Trump just one week after he took office. The ban prohibited people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. The ACLU immediately got to work, filing a lawsuit on behalf of two Iraqis who were detained at JFK airport as a result of the ban.
The film follows the legal battle over the Muslim Ban as it winds its way through the courts. We see the ACLU lawyers preparing for their argument in front of a federal judge, and we hear from the plaintiffs who are directly impacted by the ban. The tension is palpable as we wait to see how the judge will rule.
The Fight also explores the work that the ACLU is doing to protect the rights of immigrants and refugees. The film follows the case of a young Honduran girl who was separated from her mother at the border. We see the emotional toll that the separation takes on both the mother and daughter, and we hear from the ACLU lawyers who are working to reunite them.
One of the most compelling parts of The Fight is the behind-the-scenes look at the ACLU's strategy sessions. We see the lawyers discussing their legal strategy, and we see how they respond to unexpected challenges. It's clear that these lawyers are not just fighting for their clients, but for the principles of justice and equality.
Another key issue that The Fight explores is the fight for abortion rights. The film follows the case of a young woman who is seeking an abortion in Texas. Due to restrictive laws, she is unable to get the procedure in her home state, and she is forced to travel hundreds of miles to a clinic in New Mexico. We see the fear and uncertainty that she experiences as she tries to navigate the confusing maze of regulations that stand between her and the care she needs.
Throughout the film, we hear from a wide range of ACLU supporters, including celebrities like John Legend, Padma Lakshmi, and Regina King. We also hear from ordinary people who have been directly impacted by the policies that the ACLU is fighting against. Their stories bring home the importance of the work that the ACLU is doing.
Ultimately, The Fight is a powerful and inspiring documentary that shows us the importance of standing up for what is right. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting civil rights, and that we must work together to ensure that justice and equality are upheld for all.