Critical-Mass.info

Critical Mass Documentaries

Critical Mass (2001, Toronto) A documentary about Toronto bike messengers and the Toronto Critical Mass ride. Critical Mass (2001, Austin) We have exclusive video of a Sept. 2001 Critical Mass ride in Austin in which a motorist intentionally ran over a cyclist. July 25th - The Secret is Out (1998, 120 min.) Documents the police riot at the July 25, 1997 Critical Mass ride in San Francisco. (BCLU.org) Still We Ride (2005) Chronicles the controversial police crackdown on the NYC Critical Mass ride coinciding with the 2004 Republican National Convention. (website) (trailer, 8Mb, requires newer Quicktime) We Aren't Blocking Traffic, We ARE Traffic! (1999, 50 min.) We Are Traffic!  chronicles the history and development of the "Critical Mass" bicycle movement, one of the most spirited and dynamic social/political movements of the apathetic 90's.  In over 100 cities in 14 different countries,   Critical Mass has now become a monthly ritual of reclaiming the streets by bicycle activists riding en masse. With traffic congestion, pollution, and road rage on the rise, growing numbers around the world are advocating for transportation alternatives, and Critical Mass is at the cutting edge of this mindset. We Are Traffic! tracks this leaderless, grassroots movement from its beginnings in San Francisco in 1992 to its spread across the globe. With a radical direct-action approach the participants of Critical Mass are celebrating the bicycle and in turn taking on perhaps the century's most sacred cow: the automobile. Presenting both the successes and failures of this unique movement We Are Traffic! shows how Critical Mass has brought together complete strangers in an exuberant, commercial-free public space filled with creativity and unpredictability. In its efforts to raise awareness Critical Mass has both inspired and challenged the public while often confounding public officials and police departments. We Are Traffic! is a fascinating analysis of a modern politicalmovement:  Critical Mass--which challenges the very notion of what a political movement should look like and how it should function. We Are Traffic! investigates vibrant examples of transportation-related art created and displayed in public places, focusing on the work of mural artist Rigo, whose bold traffic-sign motifs ask questions instead of give commands. Also highlighted is the work of other Critical Mass-associated artists including Jim Swanson, Beth Verdekal, and the mysterious "San Francisco Department of Public Art". Where to Get Movies Online Library Used New The Film Connection (borrow by mail for free) Half.com SecondSpin Movies Unlimited Provocative and entertaining, this documentary presents a side of Critical Mass not seen in mainstream media and illustrates the amazing geographic spread of Critical Mass, providing glimpses of Critical Masses in Austin,TX, Eugene, OR, Chapel Hill, NC, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Copenhagen, London and Sydney. We Are Traffic! celebrates modern grassroots politics, free expression and the potential for revitalized public spaces. (visit the producer's website)