I'd never heard of
Eyes on the Prize before now, but it is the definative documenary piece on the civil rights movement. Because of copyright restrictions -- expired rights for archive footage, "happy birthday" and the usual garbage -- it has been unavailable for more than ten years, with no release in sight.
Until today. Eyesonthescreen.com is a project of Downhill Battle, the copyright-reform activist group, to distribute the miniseries online and organize screenings on February 8th.
I think this is genius. If you agree, just click the link. If you need a little convincing, it's below the jump.
This project is a brilliant because it seems like just the sort of thing that can begin the process of creating more activists, which is something we need to continue to do until some sense of political balance and decorum is restored.
How does downloading a movie or going to a screening create activists? First of all, it's illegal. The film is legitimate contraband. Secondly, the film itself is fantastic. It really is a top-rate documentary about a period of our history we could all stand to know better. It is inspiring.
Finally, this is a great idea because it's a multi-dimensional learning experience. It's a history lesson and primer on why copyright needs reformation (which is a key component in breaking the lock Big Media has on culture, dontcha know?) all wrapped in one neat activist-making package.