Celebrate Earth Day with World Community’s screening of the inspirational film Bidder 70 on April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Stan Hagen Theatre at North Island College.
Bidder 70 centres on an extraordinarily ingenious and effective act of civil disobedience demanding government and industry accountability.
In the name of climate justice, University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher purchased oil and gas lease rights to thousands of acres of federal land in southern Utah, even though he had no intention of actually paying for it.
On Dec. 19, 2008, DeChristopher disrupted a highly disputed Utah Oil and Gas lease auction, effectively safeguarding thousands of acres of pristine Utah lands that were slated for oil and gas leases.
Not content to merely protest outside, Tim entered the auction hall and registered as bidder No. 70. He outbid industry giants on land parcels that were adjacent to national treasures like Canyonlands National Park, winning 22,000 acres of land worth $1.7 million before the auction was halted.
Filmmaker Beth Gage says, “Once in a while someone comes along that totally wows you. That’s how we felt when we read about Tim DeChristopher… No property was destroyed, no one was hurt, and valid concerns were raised over the entire oil and gas leasing process. Bidder 70 was a story we wanted to tell.”
Follow Tim (Bidder 70) from college student to incarcerated felon.
DeChristopher says, “At this point of unimaginable threats on the horizon, this is what hope looks like … with countless lives on the line, this is what love looks like, and it will only grow….”
Powerful, intelligent and very entertaining, Bidder 70 will show you how one person can change the world. The film has won 15 major awards.
The film is screening in many cities to celebrate Earth Day and Tim DeChristopher’s release from prison.
Admission is by donation. Everyone is welcome. FMI: 250-337-5412.
— World Community
