Film Lens
Killswitch is a documentary directed by Ali Akbarzadeh that focuses on hackers Aaron Swartz and Edward Snowden. The film presents their stories as they confront powerful systems by leaking information. Swartz, a protégé of Lawrence Lessig, is arrested for downloading academic articles from JSTOR and plays a significant role in defeating the Stop Online Piracy Act. His struggle culminates in his suicide in January 2013 while facing prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Snowden, observing mass surveillance by the NSA, decides to leak classified information, leading him to flee the country. The documentary frames their actions within a broader context of internet governance and the fight for free access to information. It features commentary from figures like Tim Wu and Peter Ludlow, emphasizing the implications of their actions on society and the internet.
Why Watch
- •Meet Aaron Swartz, a key figure in internet freedom.
- •See Edward Snowden's decision to leak NSA secrets.
- •Find out about the fight against the Stop Online Piracy Act.
Did You Know
•Killswitch premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in October 2014.
•Aaron Swartz died by suicide in January 2013 while under prosecution.
•The film screened on Capitol Hill in February 2015, before an FCC decision.
•Killswitch received a theatrical release on March 1, 2015.
Perfect For
Internet freedom advocatesCybersecurity enthusiastsFans of political documentaries