Why Close The G8 - Gleneagles 2005

The Camcorder Guerrillas who made this short film with the self-explanatory title say their aim was "to inform people about G8 and give voice to the people who are protesting against it," describing it as a "sharp, concise call to action".

So, with this as their remit, the question is, do they succeed? I would say, partially. This is pure agitprop against the G8, showing the cultural diversity of those who disagree on a whole range of grounds, from world poverty through to the environment and the "secretive" nature of the grouping itself.

Is this preaching to the converted? While everyone who takes part in a movement needs a rallying cry now and again, you can't help but feel as you watch the film that more attempt could have been made to reach out to more than their "core supporters".

Giving protesters a voice is a great idea, but it would have been better if they had given them names, or even towns of residence, so that the diversity involved would be more obvious than just a difference of accents. One of the few people named is Rose Gentle, mother of Gordon, who tragically died while serving his country in Iraq. Why is this? It's a shame there wasn't a bit more beef to back up their argument.

Ultimately, this is a party political broadcast by the Camcorder Guerrillas and it feels like a wasted opportunity.