A powerful film showing what can happen when communities come together to protect their local environment, is coming to Frome.
The Bentley Effect documents the highs and lows of the battle to keep a unique part of Australia gas-field free. It is timely story of a community’s heroic stand for a safe, clean future. It shows how strategic direct action and peaceful protest can not only overcome industrial might and political short-sightedness but can also be a lot of fun.
In speaking of the film, director Brendan Shoebridge says ‘With so much hanging delicately in the balance it is ultimately unity, altruism and our connection to all we hold dear that we see emerging as the key ingredients to this timely story of hope and inspiration.’
Mutual Aid Frome are hosting this free screening of The Bentley Effect, in partnership with Sustainable Frome, on Friday 1st March at Frome Town Hall at 7pm. Delicious refreshments will be provided by the Scrummy Vegan Cake Co-operative. Donations will go towards anti-fracking camps and film makers.
When the coal seam gas industry staked a claim on the Northern Rivers shire of Australia, alarm bells rang out. A critical mass of people from all walks of life – farmers, landowners, mums, dads, activists, scientists – organised themselves to rally against the unconventional gas invasion. Despite the enormous public opposition, the gas industry and the State Government were determined to see their gas plan through. A series of dramatic blockades ensued, before the final battle lines were drawn in the peaceful farming valley of Bentley. Thousands of people flocked to the site to stare down the threat of 850 riot police, ordered in to break up the protest. What happened next set an historic precedent.
Filmed over five years, The Bentley Effect documents the highs and lows of the battle to keep a unique part of Australia gasfield-free. This timely story of a community’s heroic stand shows how strategic direct action and peaceful protest can not only overcome industrial might and political short-sightedness … but it can also be a lot of fun. It celebrates the non-violent ‘Eureka Stockade’ of our time and chronicles one of the fastest growing social movements we have ever witnessed.
