Butterfly (2000) (TV)

Director:

Doug Wolens

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

This documentary, which first aired on public television in 2000, chronicles environmental activist Julia "Butterfly" Hill's 738 day tree-sit in the ancient redwood tree she named Luna. |

Plot Keywords:

Tree | Pacific Northwest | Interview | Wildlife | Environmental Activism

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Christine Casarsa	...	Lisa
Julia Hill	...	Herself

Directed by
Doug Wolens

Produced by
Claudia Kussano	....	associate producer
Gary Schwartz	....	associate producer
Doug Wolens	....	producer
Lois Wolens	....	associate producer
Mike Wolens	....	associate producer

Cinematography by
Doug Wolens

Film Editing by
Zachary Bennett		(as Zack Bennett)
Doug Wolens

Sound Department
Robert Donald	....	sound

Camera and Electrical Department
Robert Donald	....	additional camera operator
James Ficklin	....	additional camera operator
Richard Gunderman	....	additional camera operator (as Rich Gunderman)
Paul Sanchez	....	additional camera operator

Production Companies

• Doug Wolens

Distributors

• Doug Wolens (2000) (worldwide) (all media)

Runtime:

79 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Company:

Doug Wolens

fascinating documentary

I was quite intrigued by the idea of people taking their strong beliefs and standing by them throughout tumultuous times. Julia Butterfly Hill is part of a nature spirituality sect called "Earthfirst." There is this 1000 year old Redwood in Northern California in the County of Humboldt for which will be brought down at the hands of the Pacific Lumber Company. Julia takes it upon herself to climb the tree and rest up near the top of it as a protest against certain parts of nature being destroyed that are essentially landmarks of life. She is at one with the tree naming her "Luna." This protest is called the "Luna tree sit" and Julia stays atop it through bad weather, lonliness, and consistent troubles by the membering body inertwined with Pacific. We get a recorded viewing of the long protest atop the tree thanks to documentarian Doug Wolens. Julia voices her beliefs and ideaologies while we also get the "other side" of protests from those around the community such as workers laid off and the company owners who are frustrated of Julia's cause. Clearly, the documentary sides with Julia, but everyone gets their say. From law enforcement to the Earthfirst organization..you get countless opinions on why to stop lumbering, how to go about a specific lumbering process, and how to preserve the older more prominent trees that do not deserve to be cut down. "Climber" Dan gets some focus for he is a tree topper who goes up trees to drag down Earthfirst members from atop of trees. This deal called the "Headwaters deal" also gets focus as it is a government funded deal to cut many trees in California for industry purpose. This was a unique experience. Julia is a fascinating woman who says the tree, Luna, talks to her by spirit. She also often thanks the universe for her well being during the hard strains through the Winter problems and high winds. She seems to be highly educated and open about her beliefs. She stays up that tree for 2 years. That's devotion for a cause. Some may laugh at her, but she accomplishes her goal through the hardships and patience. *****/*****