Playing at this year’s New Zealand International Film Festival, Cap Bocage is a close-up exploration of the forces that came into play when environmental issues and indigenous rights became intertwined in New Caledonia, and a telling picture of how deeply divided the French Pacific territory is on the issue of independence.

In early January 2008, heavy rains washed toxic sludge from the hilltop nickel mines at Cap Bocage into the customary Kanak fishing grounds below, a dramatic culmination of 30 years of slow and steady pollution.

NZ filmmaker Jim Marbrook’s quietly inspirational documentary follows independence activist Florent Eurisouké as he and the environmental organisation Mèè Rhaari take on mining company Ballande, demanding repair and restitution and refusing any compromise.

During the struggle, drawn out by with judicial interventions and court-appointed environmental reports, divisions grow between the charismatic Eurisouké and the ‘realists’ amongst the traditional council leaders.

Screenings:

Auckland

Tuesday 22 July, 6.15pm, Academy Cinema

Wednesday 23 July, 11.30am, Academy Cinema

Wellington

Tuesday 5 August, 2pm, Soundings Theatre, Te Papa

Tuesday 5 August, 6.15pm, Soundings Theatre, Te Papa

Christchurch

Sunday 10 August, 3.45pm, Hoyts Northlands

Monday 11 August, 11am, Hoyts Northlands

Dunedin

Friday 8 August, 6.15pm, Rialto Cinemas

Saturday 9 August, 3.45pm, Rialto Cinemas