Green Door Film Society Screens If a Tree Falls

On Dec. 13 the Green Door Film Society will show the film If a Tree Falls.

Filmmaker Marshall Curry explores the inner workings of the Earth Liberation Front, a revolutionary movement devoted to crippling facilities involved in deforestation.

The film focuses on the life of Daniel McGowan, a mild-mannered idealist who for several years was caught up in the front’s campaign, which grew to include arson. In December 2005, several years after leaving the group, McGowan was arrested in New York and sentenced to seven years at the federal penitentiary in Marion, Ill.; in February of this year he was moved to a similar prison in Terre Haute, Ind. The sentence came with a “terrorism enhancement” provision that allows a judge to apply a harsher standard if the crime fits the traditional concept of “terrorism.”

The film’s sobriety and carefully balanced arguments make it an exemplary piece of reporting. The most heartbreaking scenes show 500-year-old redwoods being felled and harvested and aerial views of clear-cut forest that resemble scraggly bald patches on a half-shaved head.

The free public screening will be held at Greens N Grains Natural Food Store and Cafe in Egg Harbor, where an organic dinner will be offered for $7.50 at 6 pm, before the screening at 7 pm. Seating is limited to 28. For reservations call 920.868.9999 or email [email protected].

Greens N Grains Café, located at 7821 Highway 42, is open daily 9 am – 4 pm, and until 9 pm on movie nights.