I find it highly unlikely that any liberal-minded person would argue that the election of Donald J. Trump was anything other than a disaster for human rights in America. His administration has systematically stripped back any legislation around equal opportunities and minority rights. With the Supreme Court now stacked in his favour, those opposing him face an increasingly uphill struggle. It’s often down to the ACLU to fight against this injustice.
Founded in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has spent decades defending individual rights afforded under the US constitution. As a non-profit organisation, they attract people who are dedicated and passionate about the work they do. However, they are not immune from criticism. Since his inauguration in 2017, the organisation has filed over 140 lawsuits again the Trump administration. Eli Despres, Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg’s new documentary, The Fight, focuses on four of those cases.
Now celebrating it’s centenary, The Fight demonstrates just how vital the work of the ACLU continues to be. Following lawsuits involving separation of immigrant families, abortion rights, transgender in the military and voting rights affords the viewer a glimpse of the breadth of work the organisation undertakes. By highlighting the commitment of the individuals involved and the importance of the job they do, The Fight is a vastly important film.
The Fight is released On Demand by Dogwoof on 31 July.
