Creativity at its Finest
Film is undoubtedly one of the best ways of explaining complicated issues, capturing what is at stake, and expressing the sentiments of the people affected. This is exactly what the 72 films shown at the South American Film Festival on extractive industries accomplished throughout the month of October. Each film focused on the struggles of communities against the impacts of extractive industries, like mining and oil, and each was unique in creativity and portrayal. The event was a huge success, as was confirmed by our insider: festival organizer, Global Greengrants Fund advisor, and grassroots activist Enrique Bostelmann.
The Inside Scoop
Enrique played a crucial role in organizing and planning for the film festival, so our Q&A session was full of behind the scenes insights. Here is our inside scoop…
The festival brought together 1,500 participants across four different countries: Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. The endeavor was made possible by a number of small grants that Global Greengrants Fund channeled to South America, as well as an alliance with Amnesty International.
People in the audience opened up and shared personal experiences on the effects of extractive industries. Enrique recalls these narratives to be some of the most memorable moments of the event.
To further discussions, a space was created for people to voice their perspectives. Whether on the impact of mining operations in Peru or the complexities of the fishing industry in Chile, exchanges were full of opinion and enthusiasm. In addition, organized forums were held at each of the festivals to enable media, directors, and activists to gather and deliberate on issues brought up by the documentaries.
The success of the festival extended far beyond South America. The campaign caught the attention of people in Italy, Spain, France, and Canada. They have since requested permission to replicate the film festivals in their own backyards. Repeat festivals will also be held in Uruguay and Argentina to wrap up the year.
The collaboration that radiated off this series of events is reassuring to Enrique, but his vision for future film festivals consists of a more aggressive communications plan. He knows more people will become informed and involved with an increased investment in publicity. Perhaps, next year the festivals will gather crowds of 1,500 people per city.
Struggles That Must Be Addressed
Enrique concluded the interview by emphasizing the reason for initiating a series of film festivals on extractive industries:
“We decided to create these film festivals because we wanted to make sure that international human rights and socio-environmental platforms are at the forefront versus the back burner of democratic issues. These are struggles that every human being is beginning to experience, and we must address it immediately.”
Watch the Films
To watch the trailers of some of the films shown at the festival and those sponsored by Global Greengrants Fund, follow the links below:
The Devil Operation: A real-life political thriller that follows the work of Father Marco, a humble priest from the mountains of Peru, who helps defend farming communities against the Yanacocha mine’s abuses from transnational corporations. http://www.guarango.org/diablo/menu-in.html
Tambogrande: An epic tale of ordinary people rising together in times of great crisis- Pioneers find a way to transform Peru’s northern desert into a fertile valley of mango and lime orchards until gold is discovered under their land and suddenly, everything is threatened. http://www.guarango.org/tambogrande/en/