The technology boom has given everyone immense power, but how to use it remains a mystifying question. Most of us barely scratch the surface of what’s possible with a little computer in our pocket, but there’s some, like the members of We Copwatch, who envision ways of changing the world.
As proponents of recording and observing the police, the outcome of their work is obvious; videos of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Freddie Gray have sparked protests and international movements, showing just how influential an image can be to the masses. But the lives of those behind these cameras aren’t so clear, and that’s where Copwatch steps in.
As you can see in the trailer, the focus of this documentary is not the videos themselves. No, what journalist-turned-director Camilla Hall turned her attention to was the people who got out their phones and recorded these incidents. They have their own stories to tell, ones of empowerment, outrage, and personal sacrifice, and they want more people to get in on the act.
As a look at a grassroots movement, Copwatch promises to get in on the ground floor. The people featured have caused massive social awareness, but you probably don’t know their names. Maybe it’s time you learned them.
Copwatch is directed by Camilla Hall. Screenings are taking place in select U.S. cities beginning September 22nd, 2017. Click here for screening information. It will be available on demand on September 29th, 2017.
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