Campaigners hope film will inspire Scots activists
Campaigners hope that an award-winning film telling the story of an Australian community's fight against fracking will inspire people in Scotland to support the cause.
The Bentley Effect tells the story of how thousands of people came together in the peaceful farming valley of Bentley in New South Wales to prevent plans to start fracking for gas.
A series of dramatic blockades ensued, before a final confrontation, when thousands of people flocked to the site to stare down the threat of 850 riot police who had been ordered in to break up the protest.
The film's end shows how that set an historic precedent.
Anti-fracking group Broad Alliance is touring the film across the UK with Scottish showings timed to coincide with the closing days of the Scottish Government's consultation on fracking in Scotland.
The only safe option for Scottish communities is a complete ban on unconventional oil and gas - Maria Montinaro
Maria Montinaro of the Broad Alliance of Communities against Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction, which is hosting the screenings, said: "We need everyone in Scotland who is against fracking to send a clear message to the Scottish Government that fracking is dangerous to people's health, to our land, our water and our climate.
"The Bentley Effect is a great film telling an inspirational story with a clear message - that when people come together, we can protect our local communities from dangerous gas extraction, and bring about change for the better.
“The only safe option for Scottish communities is a complete ban on unconventional oil and gas in Scotland. We invite communities to come see the film for themselves, then make up their own minds before the 31 May deadline.”
Audiences at the film screenings in Scotland will also get the chance to hear from Bentley organiser Ian Gaillard, and Simon Clough, national chair of the Lock the Gate Alliance - a group representing Australian community groups opposed to fracking.
Clough said: "The Bentley Effect tells a very moving story. When their local environment was threatened, a critical mass of people from all walks of life – farmers, landowners, mums, dads, activists, scientists – organised themselves to rally against the invasion of unconventional gas on their doorstep. They faced big obstacles, because despite the enormous public opposition, the gas industry and the State Government were determined to see their gas plan through.”
Screenings will take place in Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts, 7pm on Monday, 15 May; Trinity Church Falkirk, 7pm on Tuesday, 16 May; Kirkintilloch Miners Welfare & Social Club, 7pm on Tuesday, 16 May; Murray Owen Centre, East Kilbride, 7pm on Wednesday, 17 May; University of Edinburgh, 50 George Square, 5.30pm on Thursday, 18 May; Findhorn Community Theatre, 6.30pm on Friday, 19 May.
