Shell were proposing the use of seismic blasting, which alongside the pollution impacts of oil extraction would cause significant and irreversible damage to the coastline, and the ecosystems which have sustained the region’s people for centuries. This moving and inspirational film charted the battle of native South Africans to stop the proposed exploration and their joy in successfully preserving their beloved coastline with its astonishingly rich ecosystems as well as their way of life in harmony with the natural world. Students were deeply moved by the tenacity and determination these people demonstrated: most surely reflected in the School’s own motto of Courage and Honour!

After the film, Gary gave a brief outline of how the battle continues and its wider context in the existential crisis of climate change and loss of biodiversity. He also described his route into film making and many students were both moved and inspired by his personal journey. Several students stayed behind at the end of the presentation to ask further questions about how they might get involved in Climate Action projects in their own community, and perhaps even start the first tentative steps towards future careers in film and the creative arts.

A truly memorable and inspiring experience!