Aug 9th, in Fresno, at historic Tower Theater, "We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks,"

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We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks, which plays Aug. 9 at the historic Tower Theatre (815 E. Olive Ave.). The film is hosted by Fresno Filmworks, the nonprofit that brings independent and international movies to the Central Valley each month.

The screening of We Steal Secrets arrives during an important time in the ongoing narrative regarding national security issues, amid dramatic new revelations about the government’s use of data.

“The U.S. government, no matter the administration, always walks a fine line when using its power to suppress information,” says Jefferson Beavers, the communication director for Filmworks. Beavers, who teaches journalism at Fresno City College, hopes those who attend consider the imposed limits to freedom of expression depicted in the film.


In an article by The Telegraph that compares Manning and Snowden, the newspaper argues that there are distinct parallels in their stories but there remains “a crucial distinction.” Manning could not have been aware of the sheer mass of everything he transmitted, says an unidentified former defense official, whereas Snowden’s release of classified data from surveillance programs in both the United States and Britain, so far, seems more deliberate, selective and targeted.

The alleged recklessness of Manning, experts say, may be particularly troublesome considering the amount of information he had access to. In any case where classified or private information becomes publicly accessible, the individuals involved must exercise careful judgment.

“They have to take responsibility of the consequences of disclosure,” says Robert Navarro, a Fresno lawyer who is affiliated with the Greater Fresno Chapter of the ACLU. Navarro, who also serves as Fresno Filmworks’ vice president, says the goal for anyone who discloses sensitive information ought to be about “informing the public without putting undue risk to the health and safety of the person who might be involved in the activity.”

At the screening, Navarro and the ACLU will conduct an informal survey for the audience to provide feedback on free speech and information issues facing those in Fresno County. He hopes it will help the local ACLU chapter to direct its attention to specific matters facing the area.

Joining the ACLU Greater Fresno Chapter as sponsors of the Aug. 9 film are the WILPF Fresno Branch and the Community Alliance newspaper. Show times are 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.