National Bird

press release: National Bird follows whistleblowers who, despite possible consequences, are determined to break the silence around one of the most controversial issues of our time: the secret U.S. drone war. The film gives rare insight through the eyes of both survivors and veterans who suffer from PTSD while plagued by guilt over participating in the killing of faceless people in foreign countries. Stay after the film for a panel discussion featuring panelists Bonnie Block and Joy First. Bonnie Block is a retired attorney. She is co-facilitator for the Wisconsin Coalition to Ground the Drones. She staffed the WI Network for Peace and Justice and is a past president of the Dane County Chapter of the UNA. She’s also a member of the Madison Raging Grannies and active with MOSES and MAJM working for reform of the criminal justice system. Joy First, PhD, is a grandmother and a peace activist who has been involved in nonviolent civil resistance since 2003. Since then, she has been arrested over 35 times in Wisconsin and in the Washington, DC area participating in nonviolent actions against the crimes of our government. Joy is a member of Madison Pledge of Resistance, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, Wisconsin Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars, and the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance. About Indie Lens Pop-Up Indie Lens Pop-Up is a neighborhood series that brings people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on the PBS series Independent Lens, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations together to discuss what matters most, from newsworthy topics to family and relationships. Make friends, share stories, and join the conversation. Can't attend in person? Find Independent Lens on Facebook for information on our online Pop-Up events. This series is a partnership between ITVS, WPT, and Madison Public Library.