Maia Kenworthy, together with Elena Sánchez Bellot, directed the BAFTA-contending documentary, ‘Rebellion.’ This film dives deep into the workings of Extinction Rebellion, which staged peaceful protests in 2019 that paralyzed London, marking the UK’s most significant civil disobedience since the Suffragettes era. Here, Kenworthy reflects on the journey of producing ‘Rebellion’.
Nearly a decade back, Elena and I crossed paths during a documentary film master’s course in London and bonded immediately. Later, our instructor shared a proposal about creating a documentary on a budding climate-focused group called Extinction Rebellion (XR).
While Elena and I were engaged in freelance projects and educational roles, we were intrigued by XR’s potential. Attending their inaugural press briefing, I was struck by the confidence with which Roger Hallam, an XR co-founder, declared their intent to immobilize central London in November 2018.
Soon, I was introduced to XR’s media squad, which led to an immediate immersion in their action-packed agenda. A striking realization was that a significant portion of XR’s recruits were newcomers to activism – professionals from varied fields.
Our journey led us to Farhana Yamin, an influential figure in global climate policy and a key contributor to the Paris Agreement. Despite her prominent background, Farhana was gearing up to be arrested for her beliefs. This compelling narrative saw me shadowing Farhana during a U.N. summit in Poland, while Elena chronicled the endeavors of another XR co-founder, Dr. Gail Bradbrook.
Becoming Part of the XR Movement
Merging with XR during the lead-up to their April 2019 protests was occasionally challenging. With an ever-expanding roster of activists, our role as filmmakers was occasionally questioned. We patiently clarified our intent and maintained our independence, focusing on capturing the raw essence of the group’s activities.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding XR’s impact and the value of our documentation, the group’s dedication was undeniable. This commitment, coupled with our natural curiosity, drove us to keep documenting.
The Aftermath
The 2019 ‘Rebellion’ protests surpassed even our wildest expectations. In the span of 10 days, XR became a central discussion topic nationwide.
Soon after, government officials showed interest in engaging with XR. We were able to witness significant policy changes, including the UK’s historic declaration of a climate emergency and its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions. These milestones moved us profoundly.
However, XR’s soaring profile brought fresh challenges. Other media entities began to vie for exclusive insights, making our continued involvement tricky. But, with the support of producer Kat Mansoor, we found our footing, even as the storyline grew more intricate, particularly when younger activists started voicing their concerns over the group’s direction.
Reflecting on ‘Rebellion’
Creating ‘Rebellion’ was a journey filled with lessons. From the practicalities of filmmaking to the deeper revelations about climate activism, colonialism, capitalism, and media influence, our learning curve was steep.
Farhana’s misadventure with paint and superglue served as a quirky reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise. Still, the overarching takeaway was the significance of perpetual learning and staying receptive.
‘Rebellion’ is now screening at select theaters under the Hope Runs High banner.