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There are many who will swear this film is 100% truth. However, there are also those who believe it to be a complete farce- concocted by Shepard Fairy (the Obama poster guy) and everyone's favorite guerilla stenciler, Banksy. Regardless of the film's true history, it is a statement about street art and, more importantly, an examination of the true values which motivate it. The film opens in 1999 with Thierry Guetta, a clothing mogul and amateur filmmaker. Guetta is a bumbling, stumbling and nearly incoherent Frenchman who accidentally discovers his cousin's role in the rapidly growing street art community. This chance occurrence sends Guetta on a 10 year, global journey to document prominent members of the fledgling art movement- from its grimy, urban roots on street corners and the sides of buildings, to its rise into galleries, auction houses and the homes of wealthy collectors. The odd, quirky and moving art in the film plays as much of a role as Guetta, Banksy and the other artists. Guetta represents the unknowing public who is forced to view this street art created by individuals who are fueled by cynicism and disgust for the modern, commercial and censored world we live in. And, naturally, he wants to be a part of it. Without giving too much away, 'Exit through the Gift Shop' is first an intimate look into the world of street art and how mainstream consumerism is destroying it- the same way it did coffee houses, acoustic music, and, well, art in general. And then it is one man's odyssey into the street art world. He is overcome by one of the last great outlets of independent social criticism and some of the movement's greatest contributors. Then, he attempts to become one of them and really makes a mess. 'Exit through the Gift Shop' is a documentary in the way that 'Borat' was a documentary. It's farce which forces its viewers to look deeper into the subject. Rhys Ifan provides narration for the film, which only adds to the humor and overall dry wit. In a perfect synthesis, 'Exit' combines great art, a few nail biting and anxiety inducing moments and a clever and hilarious story which is both too far-fetched to be fully believable but also simply be written off as a complete hoax.

There are few injustices more notorious, ignored and ingrained in history than that of the land stolen from the Native people of North America. When European invaders came into the areas now known as the United States and Canada, they dominated the land, killing many of its original inhabitants, took advantage of resources and made countless empty promises. This poor treatment lasted for centuries and continues today. Rarely, native groups attempt to stand up against injustices inflicted on their land and their people and often times the results are unsavory and violent. However, at times, when injustices are made Native People can ban together and attempt to stand up in the name of their ancestors and their natural rights. Such is seen in Alanis Obomswaim's Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance. The film is controversial and important in that it instills a sense of anger and a lack of understanding in anyone who views it. The blatant abuse and mistreatment of the indigenous people of the area is down right shocking.

The film documents the 1990 standoff between a faction of Mohawk and the town of Oka, Quebec over a stretch of sacred land that was to be acquired and made into a luxury golf course. In the film is an age old story between the power elite of a community and the taken advantage of, fed up native people who only want to preserve the land that is rightfully their's. The land had been the property of the Mohawk in the area as stated in an agreement by the ancestors of the Mohawk and the French and British governments who had taken over the land during the 16 and 1700s. However, as historically illustrated, the non-native people inhabiting the land continued to decrease and push back the land set aside for the Mohawk to the point where it was currently at the time of the documentary. At the film's start, the town of Oka intended to come onto land set aside for the Mohawk to build a new golf course. Angered by this, the Mohawk blocked off the road to incoming construction equipment and workers and a standoff ensued. Interestingly, the Mohawk, local city officials, police and the army actually worked together in a kind of uncomfortable cooperation for the first part of the protest. After some time, however, the Army was given full control and the Mohawk were forced off the road and into a community center.

Throughout the film there are many notable moments that make the audience question how and why one group of people could treat another group in such away. Portions of the film are down right eerie in the almost totalitarian treatment of both native and non native people who inhabit the area. Citizens are relocated, traffic is diverted and local city establishments are taken over to be used for military support. The mixture of military occupation and Mohawk demonstration infuriates the town and a series of racially motivated attacks occur on either side. Throughout the stand off, as seen through various interviews and newscasts, bad sentiments are felt on both sides.

Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance truly shows the adverse effects of overbearing power on an oppressed people. In the end, there is no real resolution to the stand off. The Mohawks confined to the community center eventually leave. They are jailed for a short time and then released. As the movie ends it is stated that there is still an ongoing debate concerning the land. The film is a firm example of a group pushed over their limits. It is invigorating to see the various unforgettable members of the Mohawk tribe and how they ban together to fight against a common cause they see as unjust. There are many members of the other side of the struggle who are unforgettable as well, although for very obvious different reasons. There is a certain level of disappointment experienced when viewing this film. Primarily the film is of an independent production company. It is for this reason that the film received such limited exposure to both American and world audiences. It could be assumed that if more were to view this film there would be more outrage. The film is well made and has a very strong message of unity and never shying away in the face of danger as well as a very intimate look at the lives of modern, passionate warriors in a desperate attempt to preserve what is rightfully theirs.