​​Bidder 70​​​​​

"Topped my list for the most inspiring film"

-Stephanie Penn Spears, EcoWatch

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"A film everyone needs to see, even if you think you’re well-informed about

political issues, environmentalism, and global climate change."

-Ashland Independent Film Festival

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“Bidder 70” is Tim DeChristopher, the student who monkey-wrenched the 2008 fraudulent Bureau of Land Management Oil and Gas Lease Auction. Bidding $1.8 million to save 22,000 acres of pristine Utah wilderness surrounding Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, with no intention to pay or drill, Tim brought the BLM auction to an abrupt halt.  A month later, Barack Obama became president and on February 4, 2009, new Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, invalidated the entire BLM Auction. 

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Nevertheless, DeChristopher was indicted on two federal felonies facing penalties of up to ten years in prison and $750,000 in fines. During the two years awaiting his trial, DeChristopher stepped up his activism, evolved into a climate justice leader, and waited through nine trial postponements until, on February 28, 2011 his trial began.  “Bidder 70” is Tim’s journey from economics student to incarcerated felon.