Found – historic film of Aboriginal resistance to uranium mining
Kakadu uranium protest documentary Dirt Cheap unearthed by Northern Territory Library, ABC News By Matt Garrick 18 Sept 19 The rediscovery of an old VHS tape, left forgotten on the shelves of the Northern Territory Library, has unearthed a tense and important piece of Australian history.
Key points:
- The 1980 documentary Dirt Cheap showcased the Mirarr people’s fight against uranium mining
- The Northern Territory Library recently hunted down the only digital copy of the documentary so it could be shown at a film festival
- Filmmaker Ned Lander says the movie created a stir at the time of its release
The rare copy of the nearly 40-year-old documentary Dirt Cheap, which details the early pushback against uranium mining in Kakadu National Park, was practically unwatchable due to its age……..
The film documented the concerns of the Mirarr people during what was a tense period of negotiation in the lead-up to the 1979 Ranger Uranium Mining Agreement.
It also showcased the pressures and broken promises the traditional owners faced. “It was very, very apparent to us that people were not ready to sign the agreement in relation to mining, and this was being done under pressure.
Mirarr resistance inspires protests around nation
Against the push of government and business interests, the Mirarr stood resolute in their bid to protect their land.
“As a child growing up I saw the struggle of my family, including my grandfather — they [had] been struggling,” traditional owner Jimmy Nabanardi-Mudjandi said.
I’m really proud of them, but it’s sad because they’re not here to see what the new future of Jabiru’s gonna be.”
The resistance from the Mirarr had a flow-on effect around the nation.
Banner-waving protesters took to the streets in Melbourne and Sydney in great numbers, scenes which Dirt Cheap captures in vivid detail.
“Mirarr people got major support from around Australia, from around the whole nation,” Mr Nabanardi-Mudjandi said.
Next stage of uranium mining looms
In the decades since the film’s release, uranium has been mined at Kakadu, but the Ranger mine is now expected to wind up in 2021.
Mr Nabanardi-Mudjandi said it was vital the land was protected during its rehabilitation.
“We are watching them, what they’re doing,” he said.
Mr Nabanardi-Mudjandi will be a special guest when Dirt Cheap screens as part of the Darwin International Film Festival at the Northern Territory Library at 5:30pm on Wednesday. Contact Matt Garrick https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-18/northern-territory-film-uranium-protests-unearthed-for-festival/11519914
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