Film Night: Protect Our Rivers

Please Join Friends of The Anglesea River (FOAR) and Solidarity Film Club at Grow, Wadawarrung Country (Anglesea). 

The Film

We will be screening a documentary about the colonial and capitalist threats to river systems. The film relates to a threatened river system half the world away, yet there are similarities between here and there, as well as lessons to learn from those protecting sacred and vital waterways against profit driven exploitation and destruction. 

Trailer

Our Rivers

Rivers on our continent are under constant threat from similar corporate interests, from the Franklin River in Lutruwita, to the Fitzroy in the Kimberly's. In our own backyard, Alcoa’s mining operations and historical use of groundwater has transformed the Anglesea River catchment. The company’s 50 year history of (over)harvesting groundwater has had devastating effects on the once vibrant and lively river system. The drawdown of groundwater has significantly reduced the flow of water from the catchment into the river, contributed to the acidification of the local waterways, and caused devastating fish kill events. Now, after years of degradation and unchecked extraction, it is time for healing and restoration.

Currently, Alcoa is applying for a permit to extract huge amounts of water from Anglesea's underground water source in order to fill their mine site and wipe their hands of their ongoing obligations to properly rehabilitate the area, since ceasing operations in 2015. Friends of Anglesea River share concerns that the resumption of groundwater extraction will only inhibit the river’s recovery. If the underground water sources are left to recover, rather than being diverted into the mining pit, perhaps we could see healthy flows return to the river. 

Event Details

These film nights are an opportunity to come together as a community; learn about ecology, colonialism, capitalism; share a meal; grieve for what we, and others have lost, collectively think throughs ways we can resist or offset the damage and harm we witness; and through it all, imagine better futures.

• Tickets will include dinner and a donation. There will be a 'pay as you can' option to ensure everyone is able to join.
  
• Date: 24th of January, from 6pm - 8:30pm
• Food: Curry (GF, V) will be served after the screening
• Donations from the night will go towards organisations protecting our waterways (TBD)
• Capacity will be limited so please register soon