Those Who Dance
a new film about Shell Oil Company's crimes in Ireland and Nigeria, and the people who fight back
Wednesday 21st March 7pm The Basement, 24 Lever Street, Manchester M2
“Those Who Dance” – a film about Rossport, Ogoniland and Imagination
This fifty minute documentary produced by filmmaker Mayyasa Al-Malzi, documents the struggles, oppression, and similarities of the people of Rossport and Ogoniland, the victims of the oil and gas industry in its pursuit of profits disregarding any obligations they own to the communities and environment were they extract or are attempting to extract the resources form.
Interviews are conducted with Shell to Sea activists, Ogoni exiles, Shell’s public relation representatives in Mayo, and Ogani Solidarity Ireland. What is most striking about this film is that it cuts tough nationality and caste to reveal the similarities both these people face, be it in the third world or the first world from economic exploitation.
“ We are aware of the fact that there is so much wealth in our land and all of it is being taken away by a company called Shell, and the Nigerian government is obviously encouraging it and supporting it. We call it economic slavery.”
- Ogani exile
Statements from Shell’s public relations representatives, eg. “Shell is committed to good environmental practices and I think that is recognized around the world” are rebuked with images of environmental devastation in Oganiland and water contamination in Mayo.
The composition and cinematography is of a high standard capturing the tranquil beauty of Rossport and the environmental devastation of Oganiland. The music, composed by Camilla Cancentata for this film, enhances the flow and rhythm of the imagery adds another uplifting and dreamy element to the film.
This documentary isn’t just about the negative consequences of the oil industry, but contains uplifting examples how human creativity and imagination did, is and can make a better future out of a bleak situation.
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