HELLO! This campaign has ended.
Thanks to all who contributed, we are thrilled with the amount that we were able to raise. To learn more about BIDDER 70 and see where the film is headed, please visit the
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Bidder 70 is Tim DeChristopher
It�s a story of stunning civil disobedience in a time of global climate crisis. On December 19, 2008, Tim--a college student and environmental activist-- derailed Bush�s last minute, parting gift to the oil and gas industry when he crashed the BLM's illegitimate oil and gas auction in Salt Lake City. While protesters circled outside, Tim breezed inside, registered to bid, and took his seat. Bidder�s paddle #70 rested on his knee. By the time the guards escorted him out, he�d won 22,000 acres of pristine Utah wilderness with no intention to drill or pay.
Tim knew his actions carried the risk of arrest and prison, but believed environmental damage and climate crisis were a greater threat to his future. News and internet outlets immediately branded this ingenious �monkey-wrencher� either hero or terrorist. A month later, Bush was out, Obama in, and new Interior Secretary Salazar nullified the sale and removed Tim�s parcels and others from future oil and gas leasing.
That didn�t stop Utah�s U.S. Attorney (or the industry lobby). On April Fools Day, 2009, Tim was indicted on two federal felonies. He faces ten years in prison and fines of $750,000. He was convicted by a jury on March 4, 2011
Why a documentary... and why civil disobedience is now a part of the climate crisis response
Bidder 70 is Tim's story: his act of civil disobedience, his trial and his possible prison sentence. It's the scientists, activists, writers, and movements that influence and support him, and the young people who've "got his back", who've joined him in "Peaceful Uprising", a grass-roots direct action organization. Its our American legacy of civil disobedience, and . Bidder 70 follows Tim as he maneuvers legal purgatory and tries to get on with his life while pushing for youthful involvement and peaceful, direct action to combat global warming and secure a livable future.
Tim�s singular stab at civil disobedience stands as one of the most creative and effective monkey-wrenches to disrupt the American energy policy machine, which handily favors corporate industry over the future of its environment and citizens. His trial and conviction brings into question whether or not concerned citizens have the right to stand up to the laws and policies that compromise the health of our environment and deny us all a livable future.
With a critical eye on the U.S. government�s management of Tim�s case and of our public lands, Bidder 70 also stands as a challenge to the misinformation of climate change culprits and naysayers. With a cast of environmental, political and legal experts (including Bill McKibben, James Balog, and Pat Shea), this film takes an unflinching look at what�s really at stake while Tim DeChristopher puts his freedom on the line.
Why we need the money and how we will use it...
Filming for Bidder 70 has taken longer than anticipated as Tim�s trial has been delayed ten times over the past two years. In the interim, our budget has been stretched thin by following Tim around the country as he�s been thrust into the center of the environmental movement.
What the money will be used for (updated on March 29)
1. Editing. We have a very talented editor named Ryan Suffern who works for Kennedy-Marshall in LA, as well as a local editor named Tina Whatcott, also very talented!
2. Additional filming: Tim is on a national speaking tour, plus filming at Sentencing in June, and Post-sentencing/final interviews
3. Court Artist: Working with award winning conceptual artist Alex Nabaum on unique court drawings and other images for the film. His work is phenomenal. alexnabaum.com
4. Music and sound effects/licensing/edits. We're working closely with several muscians, but music rights are laborious and expensive.
5. Archival footage: to document civil disobedience and climate change
6. Lawyer/legal fees. To clear rights on footage/licensing, etc...
We�ve already begun to edit the footage we�ve shot over these past two years, and we will screen a "work in progress" of the film at Mountainfilm in Telluride. Our sights are on Sundance, Wild and Scenic and countless other film fests!
Each contribution towards this project will not only magnify the power of Tim�s campaign, but they will also tell potential broadcast investors and distributors that there is significant interest in this film. We hope to reach the biggest possible audience as Tim's story is one that must be told.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please, tell anyone that has a stake in the future of our planet about this film� So, you know, basically everyone! Any and all outlets (email blasts, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to help spread the word are more than appreciated.
