In 1999, five days rocked the world as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seattle in protest of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Environmentalists, consumer advocates, labor unions, students, anarchists and pacifists all converged, bringing attention to how the WTO's policies were affecting democracy around the world. The upcoming presidential election has now reinvigorated the debate over global trade policy. Django, Sam, Lou and Jay are united in their desire to be heard and to make a difference. For these protesters, this is very personal and the stakes are higher than mere politics. A peaceful demonstration to stop the WTO talks quickly escalates into a full-scale riot and an eventual State of Emergency results. The streets are mayhem, the WTO is paralyzed. Caught in the crossfire are Seattle residents, including its beleaguered mayor, a riot cop on the streets and his pregnant wife. The choices they make will change their lives forever and prove, ultimately, that ordinary people can change the world.
Production Hyde Park Entertainment (presents); Insight Film Studios [ca](producer); Remstar Productions [ca](producer) (as Remstar); Proud Mary Entertainment (in association with); Grosvenor Park Media (in association with); Redwood Palms Pictures (in association with); Battle In Seattle Productions [ca]; Victoria Filmproduktion [de]; 120dB Films (uncredited); Aloe Entertainment (uncredited);
Release Date 2008-03-10 (South by Southwest Film Festival) 2008-03-14 (Cleveland International Film Festival) 2008-04-02 (Florida Film Festival) 2008-05-22 (Seattle International Film Festival) 2008-09-19 (limited) 2009-03-10 (DVD premiere)
Genres Action; Drama;
MPAA Rating [?] Rated R for language and some violence.