Portrait of Occupy

What is the role of video in the Occupy movement? Is it to bear witness? Is it to spread a political message? Is it to put events into a historical context? Is it an enticement to become part of something bigger than yourself that has helped the Occupy Wall Street movement grow into a global occupation?

Jon Erickson was asked what had inspired him to drive down from Vermont to make the film. His answer might just explain why his film does such a good job at capturing that intangible human desire to create a better place on earth not just for ourselves but for future generations.

He answered: “I am in love with a girl who lives in Manhattan.”

“Portrait of Occupy” reveals the true diversity of the types of people who gather and protest as part of the Occupy movement. For those not living near a city or town where Occupy events go on, the video may open some eyes to the fact Occupiers are not just college age youth but people of many ages and races, in suits and in Birkenstocks.

Jon Erickson said: “When I was there everything was so beautiful. I was embraced by love, knowledge, and an indescribable energy. I let my surroundings inspire me. It’s easy to get lost inside the camera. Sometimes I forget what I’m looking at is real, and standing directly in front of me. I had a few interactions with police but they were rather minor. The world is in need of a revolution.”

Erickson’ film is very alluring, proving that video can be a powerful battle cry to entice people to be part of something bigger than themselves. There is no “violence” in his video. There are no crowds driven to avoid or resigned to confront the police. The footage depicts an average day in Occupy NYC where citizens of the world join together to stand up for what they believe in.

The simple things in life - “peace, love and understanding.” These things are not limited to the 1 percent or owned by the 99 percent.