Rebellion for Future

A man consumed by rage tears up a cardboard sign, which states “peaceful protest.” He isn’t the only one in whom Extinction Rebellion arouses strong emotions. Multiple passers-by insult, threaten, and even throw cans or stones at the activists. Even the police aren’t afraid to tear, yank, and drag the rebels. The activists want a liveable planet, but they notice, yet again, that more important than the future of humanity, is that the line of trucks to the pulp mill keeps on moving.

Saku Soukka’s debut brings forth the people behind Extinction Rebellion’s actions. They wouldn’t want to act as spittoons, but they don’t see any other choice. “I couldn’t figure out anything else that would work,” one of them says. But when one irreplaceable nature site after another gets destroyed despite the activists’ best efforts, where does one get the strength to keep going? And how do you deal with the feelings of inadequacy, while also trying to take care of your own wellbeing?

The document showcases injustice, but in the midst of despair there is a silver lining. The activists’ sense of community, solidarity, and caring can be felt deeply, even by the viewer. Maybe there’s still hope for humanity, and all of nature, to be saved. At least the Extinction Rebellion members haven’t given up.

Ruusa Myllyaho (translated by Vilja Hynynen)