Activist
TV is the story of six first year political science students from the University
of Toronto as they spend their summer trying to become political activists
and "change the world." With a limited budget and time frame,
the students had a mission: to chooose an issue, get it out on the streets,
and make it in the world of political activism.
The students chose to lobby the Group of 8 industrialized countries to provide support for research and development of drugs for "neglected diseases" -- diseases which affect millions in the developing world but for which there is little market incentive for pharmaceutical companies.
Activist TV follows Chris, Sarah, Graeme, Momo, Avi, and Andrea as they employ both old and new methods of activism in support of their cause. The students attend demonstrations in Quebec City and Genoa, ambush politicians, engage in media stunts, write opinion pieces for newspapers, and organize a benefit concert all with the aim of influencing public opinion and drawing attention to their cause.
Activist TV views global politics through the eyes of young people. It captures the energy and idealism of youth as they attempt to affect change in global public policy. In the process, the students learn as much about themselves as they do about civic participation in the 21st century.
Read some of the amazing reviews here.
Producers:
Ron Deibert and Mike Downie
Director: Mike Downie
Episode
1
In this episode the labbers are introduced, Sarah and Chris
go to the summit of the Americas in Quebec city and Graeme wrestles with
the website.
Episode 2 begins with the labbers trying to initate public awarness of neglected diseases at Toronto events. Andrea designs their petition and Avi and Graeme go to London for an MSF conference. The labbers also begin webcasting.
This episode begins with the labbers drumming up awareness on campus. Sarah and Chris go to Ottawa to meet with the director of the Policy Research Institute and have some fun at 22 Sussex drive. Avi works on his op ed peice.
The labbers analyze their current progress and set their goals for the rest of the project. Prof. Deibert assign the labbers their challenges. Graeme goes down to New York City to try and get on TV(as a giant hotdog).
Avi continues to work on his Op ed with Dr. James Orbinski from MSF while Momo tries to set up a concert. After Prof. Deibert comments on the current progress of the labbers we are treated to the focus concert.
Tear gas and riot police abound as the labbers attend the G8 summit in Genoa, Italy. Bound by their status as media they are torn by their desire to push their cause and repsect the rules. The labbers then summarize their experiences in this amazing summer project.