Rebellion and hope in an unlikely Western for our times
The Film
LOCKED IN A STRUGGLE OVER LAND RIGHTS, Harney County rancher Dwight Hammond and his son face prison on federal arson charges. Exploiting local outrage over the Hammond case, anti-government extremist Ammon Bundy hijacks a rally for the ranchers and commands an armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and invites hundreds of “patriots” to the community. His actions capture international attention and leave the frontier community grappling with polarization and fear.
A cautionary tale and point of hope in a time of deepening national distress, through the lens of a community in the crosshairs.
A Story For This Time
THE 2016 ARMED OCCUPATION OF A FEDERAL FACILITY offers an extraordinary view of partisan rancor and American extremism as another election year looms. While local community stewardship and cultural inclusion advance, smoldering tensions around land and identity remain, challenging the role of government—and our very notion of shared truth. This intimately staged series explores both the troubled legacy of the American West and today’s imperiled democracy, while presenting uncommon and steadfast faces of leadership.
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Comments About Refuge
“You have us hooked! The film delivers so much more than just a story about the occupation.”
“Wow! I forgot how much it hurt. I am holding back tears. And, the rumblings are still there, given the situation this nation is in. THANK YOU!”
“This film provides important opportunities for storyteller and viewer to connect with the hope that once we begin to really listen to one another, we can change perspectives and practices that move from the polarization and fracturing of society to building a more equitable and respectful community. This theme runs consistently through Refuge.”
“These were extraordinarily emotional times…and the tenor of that from the inside is what makes this film a real standout.”
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