WILD SPACES DOCUMENTS ENVIRONMENT
INDIGENOUS RIGHTS LINK
The link between indigenous people's rights and the environment has emerged
as a major theme in this years' Wild Spaces Environmental and Social
Justice Film Festival. Screening nationally and in Newcastle from September
21 to 23, the festival promises a feast of viewing pleasure.
Indigenous themes figure prominently, reflecting 2000 being the
international year of reconciliation. WHITE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS (Directed by
Diana Dacie and Melissa Seelenmeyer) features an urban perspective on
non-indigenous involvement in the reconciliation movement in Australia.
Through events such as the Sea of Hands, Mardi Gras, Corroboree, the Sydney
Harbour Bridge walk and through the voices of ordinary Australians, this
video captures these first unsteady steps on the path to a more harmonious
future.
FIGHT FOR COUNTRY (Directed by Pip Starr) documents one of the largest Land
Rights and environment campaigns Australia has ever seen: the campaign to
stop a second uranium mine in Kakadu National Park. This is the story of
the Jabiluka Blockade. FOOTSTEPS (Directed by Heidi Douglas) documents
Sydney's 500,000 strong walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to support
reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
International indigenous struggles are also represented. In SILA ALANGOTOK
(Directed by Bonnie Dickie and Terry Woolf) observations by the Inuvialuit
of Sachs Harbour support what has long been predicted - that climate change
would be felt first in the Polar Regions.
Festival coordinator and University of Newcastle lecturer Ben Reid
explained, "there is a long association between struggles for indigenous
rights and the environment.
"The destruction of Australia's and the world's environment is a symptom of
the disregard of indigenous values of defence of nature and sustainability.
"Reconciling ourselves with the environment entails recognition of the need
for justice for indigenous peoples everywhere."
Wild spaces is organised nationally by Friends of the Earth and in
Newcastle by Green Left Weekly. For more information or tickets call 02
4926 5328. Screenings start September 21, Gregson Hall, Steel Street,
Hamilton. See www.wildspaces.wild.net.au
--
Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/
Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop
Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink
Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
