BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!: The Price of Free Speech March 20th, 2013

This post published on February 6, 2013

Don’t miss this thrilling documentary…

The true story about a Swedish filmmaker and a banana corporation.

Dirty tricks, lawsuits, manipulation and the price of free speech.

In 2009, Fredrik Gertten’s documentary BANANAS!, chronicling a lawsuit against controversial food giant Dole, was set to premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Dole responded with an aggressive media and public relations campaign to quash the film’s release and discredit the reputation of the filmmakers. The filmmaking team refused to be bullied, filing a counter-suit and launching their own media strategy. A true documentarian, Gertten picks up his camera again to capture his fight for free speech.

BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS is an unparalleled thriller about a David and Goliath battle with a corporate machine. This personal film reveals precisely how a multinational will stop at nothing to get its way. As Dole’s PR company puts it, “It is easier to cope with a bad conscience than a bad reputation”.

POST-SCREENING DISCUSSION

ROB WIPOND journalist, Focus Magazine

PETER GOLDEN, Human Rights Lawyer, Central American Support Committee

CHRIS TOLLEFSON, UVIC Environmental Law Centre

Join the conversation virtually via #opencinema Tweetchat!

The discussion will also be livestreamed on our website.

Cash bar, local pizza by The Joint, goodies by Bubby Rose’s Bakery, free Fernwood coffee, door prizes, more!

Suggested Donation $10-20 at the door

VICTORIA EVENT CENTRE

1415 Broad Street (elevator access)

Doors open at 5.30pm

Big Boys Gones Bananas media release: BananaMediaRelease