Blackwater Valley Friends of the Earth were made very welcome by Zero Carbon Guildford who helped with the hosting of the film Screening of Sauvages.
Close to 40 members of the public came to the event. Ahead of the screening we were given a short talk by Andy Berriman of Make Votes Matter. Andy raised awareness to the fact that a future transfer to proportional representation would help address inequality and enable the long term solutions that communities need to have meaningful lives in the future.
Ahead of watching the film the audience were asked to:
- Think that local MPs should support a new Business, Human Rights and Environment Bill.
- Share their views on the film and the issues it presents.
- Feel that UK supply chains are harming the environment and indigenous communities.
- Sign a petition and join the Planet over Profit Campaign
Here is the link to the petition. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/blackwater-valley-friends-of-the-earth-for-fair-supply-chains?source=direct_link&
Some Quotes
“The film has stayed with me and is a good support for indigenous people fighting against deforestation. Interestingly it was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 for young audiences. We need ways to engage with young people”
“The film reminded me of my days in Guyana, I sometimes worked in an Amerindian Village called Orealla. I slept in a hammock and washed in the great River Corentyne. No electricity and evenings were more fun when the moon was doing its thing.”
We” enjoyed the film as well and I thought the turnout was good. I find that the whole issue of deforestation, disrespect of indigenous peoples culture and habitat loss very depressing so I hope that films like this will encourage young people to campaign”
“Such a positive message at the end of the film – there’s now real awareness of what’s really going by/for indigenous people. Deffo no palm oil for us!”
If you want more reading see: https://ifnotusthenwho.me/ and https://www.opendemocracy.net/east-african-crude-oil-pipeline-uganda-brutality-evictions-hoima-land-grabs/
There is much to do.