A film highlighting the invasive nature of coal seam gas will screen throughout the northern rivers and other areas in the lead-up to next month’s state election.
Called Frackman, the film tells the story of accidental activist Dayne Pratzky and his struggle against the expansion of international gas companies in Queensland’s Darling Downs.
Dayne embarks on a journey that transforms him from conservative pig-shooter to sophisticated global activist.
Producer Simon Nasht said it was vital that the people who will see the film first are in communities who are likely to be impacted the most.
‘Coal seam gas is a major issue in the coming NSW election, and we expect the film to provoke an important debate and put all parties on notice that they dare not ignore this crisis,’ he said.
The film will have its world premiere at the Byron Bay Community Centre as party of the Byron Bay Film Festival on March 7 at 7.30pm.
It will also screen at the Birch Carroll and Coyle complex in Lismore on March 8 at 5.30pm , at the Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah on March 9 at 7.30pm and at Ballina Fair Cinema on March 10 at 7pm. There will be a reprise screening in Byron Bay at Pighouse Flicks on March 11 and 7pm.
Lock the Gate spokesperson Phil Laird said communities across NSW were eagerly anticipating seeing their battle against the massive coal seam gas industry played out on the big screen through Dayne’s incredible journey.
‘Dayne’s story reveals the harsh reality that many NSW landowners face and the fight they have to win to keep their land and water safe from coal seam gas,’ Mr Laird said.
‘All across the state we have seen farmers, traditional owners, sporting and religious communities uniting together to stand up for their land against the CSG industry and this film gives voice to their struggle.
‘The NSW Government needs to stop siding with the interests of big mining companies and listen to communities all across this state who are saying no to the threats from coal seam gas.’
With support from Frackman’s affiliates (Lock the Gate, GetUp!, Future Super), Mr Laird said audiences would be introduced to ways they could switch their energy from providers involved with CSG, and divest their finances from financial institutions funding CSG projects.
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