“Highly Recommended. That some of the priciest real estate in the world could be saved from the seemingly inexorable force of development and speculation seems almost beyond comprehension…This documentary details the decades-long struggles of grass-roots activists who fought against powerful development interests. Largely unknown, these figures…constitute an important chapter in the history of the environmental movement.”
full review

“Rebels with a Cause tells the story of how a group of conservationists, politicians, ranchers, farmers, and volunteers spearheaded a campaign to block development projects like Marincello. Today, the planned city lies within the boundaries of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the most popular in the entire National Park Service. The recreation area’s existence is a direct result of the tireless work chronicled in Rebels with a Cause. Thanks to the efforts of those depicted in the film, the only real remnant of Marincello is a mountain biking trail that follows what would have been the potential town’s main boulevard.”
full article

“With the help of engaging interviews, excellent graphic maps and Lou Weinert’s cinematography – his Bay Area landscape shots are beautiful – filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto are able to translate what was essentially an incremental bureaucratic fight into cinematic terms…In the end, you’ll probably more appreciate the area we call home – and grab your hiking (or bicycling) gear.”
full review
SFGate capsule

“Cicely Muldoon, superintendent of Point Reyes National Seashore, said, ‘This film captures the essence of how local citizens found what it took to preserve these two national treasures, right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. What a gift to those of us who enjoy these places today, and what a gift to future generations.'”
full article

“There was a time (most of my life, actually) when Republicans and Democrats worked together to make good (and sometimes bad) things happen. The new hour-long documentary, REBELS WITH A CAUSE, brings back a taste of that time… Yes, there were bullies and blowhards back then, too, yet the cooperation between the two political parties shown here should bring an “if-only” tear to your eye…Most of all it demonstrates how a movement this powerful began on a citizen level rather than on an ‘elected’ level — and still achieved its goal.”
-James van Maanen
TrustMovies.com
full article

“Beautiful cinematic footage, clever animation, moving interviews and a very compelling story are deftly woven together in a tale that is especially meaningful for contemporary times.”
-Baret News Wire

“Interesting, inspiring film…Instead of Marincello, we have the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. And instead of freeways, housing, and a hotel and golf course or two as far north as the tip of Point Reyes, we have the Point Reyes National Seashore. Thanks, rebels!…Along the way, there were threats, family rifts, political debate, creative maneuvering, and good old-fashioned people power. It’s hard to imagine such achievements today, in part because of the cost. Thank goodness, these battles won’t have to be fought again.”
-Pamela Feinsilber
SF Examiner

Nancy and Kenji are on tour with On Screen/In Person. Sponsored by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the tour focuses on American independent films and REBELS is screening at six venues: art centers, theaters, and universities. Local rebels, including Sierra Club members and a national park superintendent are joining Nancy and Kenji for post-screening discussions.

Screenings 
WHAT: On Screen/In Person Tour – St. John School of the Arts
WHEN: Tuesday, February 3, 7:30 PM
WHERE: St. John, Virgin Islands
TICKETS & INFO

WHAT: On Screen/In Person Tour – Ferguson Center for the Arts
WHEN: Thursday, February 5, 7:00 PM
WHERE: 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA
TICKETS & INFO

WHAT: On Screen/In Person Tour – Black Rock Center for the Arts
WHEN: Saturday, February 7, 8:00 PM
WHERE: 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, MD
TICKETS & INFO

WHAT: On Screen/In Person Tour – Monmouth University
WHEN: Monday, February 9, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Pollak Theater, 400 Cedar Ave., Long Branch, NJ
TICKETS & INFO

WHAT: On Screen/In Person Tour – World Cafe Live
WHEN: Wednesday, February 11, 6:00 PM
WHERE: 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE
TICKETS & INFO

WHAT: On Screen/In Person Tour – Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University
WHEN: Friday, February 13, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Erie, PA
TICKETS & INFO

WHAT: “Off the Screen” at the Exploratorium
WHEN: Thursday, February 19, 7:00 PM
WHERE: Exploratorium, Pier 15, Kanbar Forum, San Francisco, CA
TICKETS & INFO

Read Nancy’s On Screen/In Person Tour blog. Listen to an interview with Nancy through the On Screen/In Person Tour podcast.