I WITNESS: Shot Down in Pensacola

Produced and directed by Janet Goldwater and Barbara Attie; edited by Sharon Mullally; camera by Peter Brownscombe; writing by Wendy Univer. (1998, TRT: 40 minutes)

Distributed by Cinema Guild

"A profoundly disturbing look at the relentless terrorism waged by Pensacola's substantial contingent of radical religious zealots."
                                                                     —Video Librarian

"...revealing...An effective account from the battle's front lines."
                                  —Booklist (American Library Association)

Once known for its pristine beaches and imposing naval base, Pensacola, Florida has become the center of the abortion debate with bombings, stalkings, and the murders of two clinic doctors and an escort. I WITNESS traces the dizzying escalation of violence in this Florida panhandle community. The documentary features "found" footage shot by clinic escorts, and interviews with religious and civic leaders struggling to provide a moral compass in a community torn by violence and religious fervor.

I WITNESS reveals what one religious activist calls "a case study in the effects of religious terrorism on a community." Starting in 1984, the bombings, the murders, stalkings and continuing conflict at the clinics have forced this highly religious community to scrutinize both its convictions and responsibilities surrounding this difficult issue.

I WITNESS has been screened at the annual conferences of the National Abortion Federation and the American Medical Students Association.

TELEVISION
Regional PBS

FESTIVAL
Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema, Festival of Independents, 1998