In Defence of Our Lands.
“In Defence of Our Lands is a timely and important film documenting, in their own words, the struggles of indigenous and peasant activists fighting to protect their lands in Latin America. A must watch for anyone interested in the conflict between energy corporations and human rights/environmental defenders.” Dr Anna Laing. School of Global Studies. University of Sussex
According to Global Witness, Latin America is the most dangerous region in the world for environmental activists. World-wide, in 2020, 227 activists defending their lands, their forests and their rivers were murdered. Two thirds of these killings took place in Latin American countries.
Long before climate rebellions became commonplace in Europe, land and environmental rights campaigners in Latin America were taking action, confronting the corporations that threatened their livelihoods and risking their lives to protect their communities. Rather than defending the communities whose rights are being abused, the state offers protection to the corporations that are the perpetrators of human rights abuses. Many of these are renewable energy corporations which rely on the support of military forces. There are contracts worth millions between these corporations and state forces. This makes it difficult if not impossible for the communities to mobilise and to organise protests.
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a central demand of climate activists and a key strategy for a Green New Deal. But massive solar farms installed in the Global South against the wishes of rural communities is not the answer. Green energy must not reproduce existing patterns of exploitation.
The work of environmental activist is essential. Their determination, tenacity and commitment is inspirational.
Screened at COP26 People's summit in Glasgow Film Theatre 2021 (UK), Linklaters 2021 London (UK) School of Global Studies, University of Sussex 2022 (UK) and Lewes Depot Cinema 2021 (UK). Best documentary at Bitesize Film Festival 2021 (UK), honorable mention at Reale Film Festival (Italy) and official selection at Atlanta Docufest 2022 (US), Latino Film Market 2022 (Mexico), Kalakari Film Festival 2022 (India) and broadcasted in NVTV, Latest TV, Sheffield Live! & KMTV as part of Inheritance Film Festival 2022 (UK).
Commissioned by Extinction Rebellion UK and Lewes Climate Hub with the collaboration of Peace Brigades International UK (PBI UK) and funded by the PBI UK and the contribution of many through crowdfunding which we specially thank here.