WTO/99 Review: A Harsh Reminder of Our U.S. Police State

      One of the most intriguing aspects of the documentary WTO/99, directed by Ian Bell, is that while it visually presents itself as a relic, the political insights feel as forward-looking as they are reflective. The film offers a clear timeline of the events that unfolded during the Seattle WTO protests outside the WTO Ministerial Conference on November 30, 1999. What started as a peaceful protest primarily focused on labor and environmental concerns quickly descended into chaos on the first day, with law enforcement deploying tear gas and rubber bullets on thousands of participants. Although there are video clips showing property damage, Bell creates a vivid portrayal of a significant number of non-violent demonstrators who were harmed due to police escalation.

      The narrative is shaped by a mix of news footage and on-the-ground consumer video recordings, with the 4:3 aspect ratio and grainy digital visuals providing an oddly comforting feel. The year 1999 seems like ages ago, and much has transpired since then. About 40,000 individuals gathered in the streets, and by the second day, any non-aggressive stance from the police had vanished. Seattle Mayor Paul Schell announced curfews in downtown areas, requested assistance from the National Guard, and established "No Protest Zones" in certain parts of the city. As expected, the situation worsened. Notably striking scenes depict law enforcement pursuing protesters into Capitol Hill, beyond the designated areas, and causing chaos in an entire neighborhood late into the night.

      The film features clips of activist Ralph Nader, politician Bernie Sanders, and filmmaker Michael Moore criticizing the World Trade Organization, as well as President Bill Clinton attempting to justify the situation. These segments arguably represent the film’s weakest moments, as they highlight the broader motivations behind the demonstrations. Much of this context is familiar from the archival footage. However, there is a particularly amusing soundbite from then-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who emphasizes his “corporate conscience” while expressing confusion about the protests.

      We see footage of protesters being confined to buses and jailed without access to phone calls or any charges filed against them, serving as a chilling reflection of today’s constitutional crisis in America. Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper discusses his officers preparing for violence even before any actual violence occurred, reminding us starkly of what escalation entails. The final moments of WTO/99 are strikingly framed and impactful, using text and music to pull us back into the precarious present we inhabit.

      About halfway through the film, there is a particularly thought-provoking moment where a news reporter interviews Tom Hayden, the civil rights activist and one of the leaders of the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests. Hayden discusses “perception management” and how those in power aim to portray any organized actions against them as failures. If WTO/99 conveys anything, it’s that this perception management was, indeed, effective.

      WTO/99 will have a one-week theatrical run at NYC’s DCTV starting Friday, December 5.