Logging on and logging off takes on an entirely alternative meaning in WILD THINGS, Sally Ingleton’s splendid documentary of a year spent with front line eco activists.
WILD THINGS is a film that undoubtedly preach to the converted when it comes to climate change and ecological conservation, but demands to be seen by those still undecided about unsustainable logging, damming, and mining.
WILD THINGS reminds us of the rewards of positive resistance by citing historic fights and benefits.
Fifty-four bans were imposed in NSW between 1971 and 1974. Green bans helped to protect historic nineteenth century buildings in The Rocks from being demolished to make way for office towers, and prevented the Royal
Botanic Gardens from being turned into a carpark for the Sydney Opera House.
In the 1970’s the Hydro Electric Commission of Tasmania proposed to dam the wild Franklin River for the purpose of generating electricity. Those opposing the dam began organising and led by Dr Bob Brown established what is arguably Australia’s most successful environmental campaign. In 1982 a protest camp was established on the river and thousands of people came from all over Australia to blockade the river from destruction.
In 1998 Traditional Owners Yvonne Margarula and Jacqui Katona called on activists from around Australia to help join the fight to stop a Uranium Mine being built within Kakadu National Park. Over a nine month period thousands of protesters joined the Blockade and over 500 people were arrested. The Blockade was successful and the Mine was not built.
The Tarkine in north west Tasmania is the second largest tract of cool temperate rainforest in the world and is home to more than 60 species of rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals. one of the last areas of true wilderness left on the planet. Much of the area is dominated by large stands of tall Eucalyptus and Myrtle. But the forest has been indiscriminately logged for many decades with a mix of selective logging for speciality timbers as well as clear fell logging where much of the timber ends up as woodchip. Protesters have been campaigning for the Tarkine to be made into a World Heritage Area for many decades and this is the main focus of the film.
The Sydney Screening of WILD THINGS, at Dendy Newtown Tuesday Feb 2 at 6.45pm features a Q&A panel consisting of David Ritter CEO Greenpeace, Director Sally Ingleton via zoom, Dr. Bob Brown via zoom, Dr. Lisa Searle via zoom presented on The Big Screen