Believe me, this came as a big shock!
We've all heard about conspiracy theories, and how the baddies will stop at nothing to keep their
wicked ways wrapped. But does it really happen?
Well, yesterday I received an email,
cc'd from the director of the
AMRITSA Film Festival network, in response to someone based in New Zealand, trying to "persuade" the Festival organisers not to run Poisoning Paradise. Below is the correspondence. Names have been hidden, for privacy reasons.
P.S. Just this morning, we heard the news that
Poisoning Paradise has also been accepted into
the revered Heart of England International Film
Festival, to run in August. This is now festival
number 3, and counting!
THE ATTEMPT TO HAVE POISONING PARADISE PULLED FROM FESTIVAL.......
To: director@swanseafilmfestival.com
Subject: Poisoning Paradise is propaganda
Dear Director
I was very disturbed to read recently that Poisoning Paradise, a film by Clyde and Steve
Graf of New Zealand , is to be shown at your festival. I am concerned that audiences unfamiliar with the issue in New Zealand would not recognise this film for what it is – a blatantly biased piece of propaganda paid for by the deer hunting lobby.
The film (it would be very wrong to call this a documentary) is also made by deer hunters, one of whom has been convicted of armed robbery. The very few so-called ‘experts’ that the brothers dredge up have no scientific standing in New Zealand . The ‘research’ is not peer reviewed and goes against all other scientific research in New Zealand (see the first link below).
Despite all their efforts, and financial backing, none of the television networks (public and private) in New Zealand have agreed to screen it for the reasons listed above. I believe that screening this rubbish would only lend credibility to these characters, and would reflect very badly on what looks like a fine festival that you run.
1080 is actually a critical tool in the battle to protect New Zealand ’s beloved native flora and fauna from introduced pests, and one that we cannot do without.
I have posted some links below that may be of interest and there is plenty more material that can be found.
I would appreciate it if you let me know what you decide to do on this matter.
Kind regards
Rxxxxxx Cxxxxxx
The Links....
An interview with Phil Brown, Programme Manager, Biodiversity, Auckland and some other DoC rangers who use 1080 as one of their tools on front line of native bird protection and recovery.
1080 Documentary wins Bent Spoon Award
1080 campaigner has bank robbery convictions
3news.co.nz
Poison pays off for endangered NZ bird
TV one news
Nuts to 1080 nutters, yes to bush and beef
By Jon Morgan – The Dominion Post
Over the Fence: It's 1080 hysteria - again
By Jon Morgan – The Dominion Post
THE RESPONSE BY FESTIVAL DIRECTOR....
Attention:
Rxxxxx Cxxxxxx. (Name removed to protect identity of writer)
Our decision to screen this documentary film within the
AMRITSA Film Festival network has been made and will NOT be reversed.
AMRITSA Film Festivals are dedicated to and based upon the right of the free expression of opinion.
This ‘right’ is one which we will hold to fast and maintain in the interest of debate.
Should YOU and or YOUR organisation wish to present an alternative point of view to that contained within ‘Poisoning Paradise’ then we suggest you submit a ‘film’ and it would be considered for screening.
Thanks for writing
AA
http://www.amritsa.com/
cc thegrafboys@xtra.co.nz
Posts
