In November of 1999, Seattle was the site of one of the largest and most controversial protests of the past few decades. An estimated 40,000 people descended on the Seattle Convention Center where the World Trade Organization was scheduled to meet to discuss matters regarding economic globalization. And then all hell broke loose. 8 years later, these events now set the stage for a movie adaptation called The Battle in Seattle.

To be honest, I hadn’t even heard about this movie until now, but Ted over at bigscreenlittlescreen just posted a nice set report from where it’s currently being shot on location in Seattle. The movie stars an impressive cast that includes Woody Harrelson, Ray Liotta, Charlize Theron, Michelle Rodriguez and Andre 3000. It’s written and directed by Theron’s fiance Stuart Townsend (this will be his first time behind the camera). Apparently they’re pulling a United 93-style attempt at realism by also casting some of the actual protestors in the movie (unfortunately it seems like most of them are just extras). I have to admit, the subject seems more well-suited for a documentary than a feature film, but I’m curious to see how well they pull off the scale of the riots and what kind of story they weave into it. The Battle in Seattle will hit theatres sometime in late 2007.