Samsara and Baraka are both inspiring, visually stunning cinematographic masterpieces. Everyone on the planet should take the time to watch them.

Filmed over nearly five years in 25 countries on five continents, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders.

Abby

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Samsara from Kamala Queen on Vimeo.

This film is a follow up to an epic documentary called Baraka. Originally shot in 25 countries on six continents, Baraka brings together a series of stunningly photographed scenes to capture what director Ron Fricke calls “a guided mediation on humanity.”

Baraka

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MEDIA ROOTS – Over the last two months I have witnessed an organic uprising take root in my backyard of Oakland, CA.  Although it’s been emotionally tumultuous to incur the harsh police state crackdown on the First Amendment and witness the brutal Oakland PD assault against peaceful protesters, it’s always inspiring as hell to see thousands of people taking it to the streets to denounce police brutality and reject the two-party corporatocracy.

I have compiled a set of photographs from the first day of Occupy Oakland and another set of highlights from the historic general Occupy Oakland strike and shutdown of the Port of Oakland that took place on November 2, 2011.  Below is another series of photographs taken randomly of various marches and rallies held during the initial weeks of the local encampments, including some of riot cops taken the morning of the first raid of Occupy Oakland at Snow Park.

Abby Martin

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Photography by Abby Martin

MEDIA ROOTS – On Wednesday, November 2, 2011, I documented an incredibly inspirational and monumental event. For the second time in sixty years, Oakland held a general strike that shut down the city– this time in response to the brutal police state crackdown on the Occupy Oakland encampment.

Upwards of 20,000 people participated in the strike and march to the Port of Oakland, per aerial estimates, where protesters blocked the gates in an act of civil disobedience in order to call attention to the Occupy Wall Street movement. It was beautiful to witness thousands of people from all walks of life standing together to call an end to class warfare, corporate greed and the impunity of the 1%’s illegality. 

I took some photographs throughout the course of the day highlighting some epic moments of the bank shutdowns, the march to the port and the dance party in the streets that ensued.

Photography from Occupy Oakland’s Historic General Strike on November 2, 2011.

Check out a video I made highlighting some of the best moments from the Occupy Oakland General Strike and Port Shutdown.

Abby Martin

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MEDIA ROOTS- Yesterday I went out to cover the first day of Occupy Oakland at Frank Ogawa Plaza in downtown. Despite the thick mud and slick rain, there was a solid crowd of about 300 people buzzing with energy and lively discussion. Grievances were expelled by chanting and marching together, all with passionate determination.

Those of us who shared the evening together put our differences aside to stand upon one common thread– the system has failed us, and we demand representation. We were participating in something bigger than ourselves, and it was beautiful to witness the movement coalesce in my own backyard. It’s nothing short of thrilling to see people spilling out in the streets demanding real change, and I can’t wait to see where this leads.

Writing and Photography by Abby Martin