---- Some spoilers but this is a documentary with a story.... -----
Excellent documentary about a "forgotten war". One wanders how the makers heard about what happened on a tiny island near Papua New Guinea. Even more: it's amazing a documentary was made about it all!
This documentary tells the story of a Pacific island's population that rose up in arms against a giant mining corporation named "Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ)". Grace to their creativity and string bound they won their autonomy and this despite a military occupation and a blockade of their island.
When the mining company RTZ decided to step up production at the Panguna Mine on the island of Bougainville, they got more than they bargained for. The island's people had enough of seeing their environment ruined and being treated as pawns by RTZ.
Not a moment the RTZ Company thought about providing the islanders any compensation of the destruction and pollution made. This although huge profits were made by their mining activity. The people decided it was time to put an end to outside interference in the island's affairs. To do this they concluded the mine had to be closed down.
The Papua New Guinea Army (PNGDF) were mobilized in an attempt to put down the rebellion. The islanders fought back with bows & arrows, and sticks & stones. Against a heavily armed adversary they still managed to retain control of most of their island. Realizing they were beaten on the ground, the government of Papua New Guinea imposed a blockade. The islanders became very creative in running their own island and realizing their own destiny. They managed to produce 'green' electricity and even developed their own fuel in order to keep some cars running. Their military fight for freedom deepened as it became as well an environmental and spiritual revolution. The ruins of the old Panguna mine where being recycled to supply the raw materials for the world's first eco-revolution.
A David and Goliath story of the 21st century. An amazing success story. So many cultures and people have been wiped out by colonialism and for cooperate profit. Not those of Bougainville island.
Many viewers might find inspiration in how those people work together to build a society that is conscious about ecological matters and socially more just.
Excellent documentary about a "forgotten war". One wanders how the makers heard about what happened on a tiny island near Papua New Guinea. Even more: it's amazing a documentary was made about it all!
This documentary tells the story of a Pacific island's population that rose up in arms against a giant mining corporation named "Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ)". Grace to their creativity and string bound they won their autonomy and this despite a military occupation and a blockade of their island.
When the mining company RTZ decided to step up production at the Panguna Mine on the island of Bougainville, they got more than they bargained for. The island's people had enough of seeing their environment ruined and being treated as pawns by RTZ.
Not a moment the RTZ Company thought about providing the islanders any compensation of the destruction and pollution made. This although huge profits were made by their mining activity. The people decided it was time to put an end to outside interference in the island's affairs. To do this they concluded the mine had to be closed down.
The Papua New Guinea Army (PNGDF) were mobilized in an attempt to put down the rebellion. The islanders fought back with bows & arrows, and sticks & stones. Against a heavily armed adversary they still managed to retain control of most of their island. Realizing they were beaten on the ground, the government of Papua New Guinea imposed a blockade. The islanders became very creative in running their own island and realizing their own destiny. They managed to produce 'green' electricity and even developed their own fuel in order to keep some cars running. Their military fight for freedom deepened as it became as well an environmental and spiritual revolution. The ruins of the old Panguna mine where being recycled to supply the raw materials for the world's first eco-revolution.
A David and Goliath story of the 21st century. An amazing success story. So many cultures and people have been wiped out by colonialism and for cooperate profit. Not those of Bougainville island.
Many viewers might find inspiration in how those people work together to build a society that is conscious about ecological matters and socially more just.