Film Lens
Better This World is a documentary that follows activists Bradley Crowder and David McKay as they prepare to protest the 2008 Republican Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. The film captures their evolution from childhood friends in Midland, Texas, to politically active individuals influenced by Brandon Darby, a well-known activist. The narrative unfolds through their experiences and the challenges they face, including their interactions with law enforcement and the FBI, which was tracking their activities through informants.
The film raises questions about entrapment and accountability, particularly regarding Darby's role as an informant. After their homemade shields are stolen, Crowder and McKay consider making molotov cocktails but ultimately do not use them. Their arrest under terrorism charges and the media coverage that follows highlight the complexities of their situation and the implications of government surveillance and informant involvement in activist movements.
Why Watch
- •Meet activists Bradley Crowder and David McKay.
- •Find out about the FBI's surveillance tactics.
- •See how trust can lead to entrapment.
Did You Know
•The film premiered on April 23, 2011, at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
•Better This World won two Golden Gate Awards for Best Documentary Feature and Bay Area Documentary Feature in 2011.
•Brandon Darby, the informant, was affiliated with the Common Ground Collective, which aided hurricane victims.
•The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews.
Perfect For
Political activismFBI informantsDocumentary film awards