For nearly twenty years, Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, collectively known as “The Yes Men,” have been fighting the powers that be, whether it’s the World Trade Organization or the Chamber of Commerce or even the big corporations who abuse or deny the effects of climate change. They do so via a unique approach of media hoaxes and pranks, pretending to be people they’re not, but almost always believable enough to convince the media to report on their actions.
The Yes Men are Revolting is their third documentary following 2003’s The Yes Men and 2009’s The Yes Men Fix the World. Co-directed by their regular producer Laura Nix, it takes a slightly different approach by allowing the viewer to get to know the Yes Men, their relationship with each other and those around them and how it’s affected by their actions, some of which are more successful than others. (If there’s any question that The Yes Men are Revolting is as much a comedy as it is a documentary, the latest movie has been executive produced by “Funny or Die” co-founder Adam McKay, who is responsible for some of the funniest comedies of the last 15 years.)
ComingSoon.net sat down with Bichlbaum and Bonanno last week, and as you can probably tell from the video, we were plagued with some technical difficulties as we tried to include co-director Laura Nix in the equation via Google+. After a couple of failed attempts, Mike himself picked up the laptop and held it for the rest of the interview so we could include her. So yeah, maybe they’re not so “revolting” after all.
The Yes Men are Revolting opens in New York at the IFC Center on Friday, June 12 (after playing as part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival) as well as in other cities. You can find out where and when it’s playing on the official site. It will also be available on VOD and iTunes starting Thursday, June 11. You can learn more about their actions and work and how you can get involved in activism at ActionSwitchboard.net.
