Rise of the Eco-Warriors

If you haven't realised I am very passionate about the issue of Palm Oil and how the unsustainable practices in Malayasia and Indonesia are killing Orangutans and ruining villagers lives, then I must assume you are new to my blog.

If you are equally as passionate about protecting this species from extinction then you must check out a great new documentary called Rise of the Eco-Warriors, directed by acclaimed award winning Australian director, Cathy Henkel.

Faced with the challenge of spending one hundred days in the jungles of Borneo, Rise of the Eco-Warriors tells the real life story of fifteen young people from nine countries who undertake the mission to explore and implement solutions to the rampant deforestation which is destroying local Dayak communities, driving endangered Orangutans and other wildlife to extinction and contributing to climate change.

Against all odds this dynamic group succeed in building an Orangutan rehabilitation centre, introduce a satellite monitoring system called Earthwatchers, start a reforestation nursery and build a global support network.

Their efforts are put to the test when the bulldozers move in and threaten the future of a community living in a traditional longhouse.

Supporting the documentary, the filmmakers have implemented an education program to inspire other young people in Australia around the world.

Through DeforestACTION they have engaged over 1,900 schools and 60,000 students in multiple countries about the issues facing Borneo and how people can and continue to do more work to highlight the situation.

The film made me feel so many emotions. I was angry, I cried, I was inspired and it reinforced my resolve to continue putting pressure on companies using unsustainable palm oil in their products and educating others as to how they too can make a difference.

Special screenings are being held around Australian cinemas and a DVD is soon to be released.

To find out more and to view the trailer visit www.ecowarriorsrise.com

Volunteers flaunt their experiences on social media and portray themselves as 'heroes' who are 'saving' underprivileged villagers. It reinforces stereotypes, images of differences and unequal power relationships between the volunteer and the host community.

The "hero" (called eco-warriors) dance/prance around, lamenting the invisible "foe" (some unidentified palm oil company), without any in-depth knowledge of the issues at hand. The result is a sing-along of spoiled brats that pursue shallow solutions to a very complex issue.

Today, several years later little has changed for the local communities. Despite repeated promises to make a difference from the eco-warriors. ("we'll be watching from the sky")

#EndHumanitarianDouchery

Wow! I thought I knew most of what was happening around the world in terms of the conservation of our environment, the sustainability of our resources and how best to preserve and regenerate our natural treasures for future generations to enjoy.

Consequently, I was pretty confident that I was doing as much as I could to assist the efforts of others in my own little world. I might have been on the right track but I definitely didn't know everything. In fact I didn't even know half the story.

The Rise of the Eco-Warriors taught me, through the reactions, thought processes, and the caring nature and actions of the Eco-Warriors along with the guidance of Dr Willie Smits, what the reality actually was.

As I watched the story of the forest peoples and orangutans of Borneo unfold, I was transfixed on what was shown on the screen. Literally.

At first I was a curious bystander. It felt like I was on a tourist trip with a guide that was explaining what we were seeing. However as the movie progressed the reality of what I was seeing suddenly struck home as being real and not fiction. It was stark. It was shocking. It was more than tragic. It was devastating.

I went through a range of emotions, such as shock, disbelief, anger, desperation, and also helplessness for the situation unfolding minute-by-minute and day-to-day on the screen in front of me. The tears I shed while watching this movie were real and I vowed right then and there to educate my family members and friends about what was happening in Borneo, and encourage them to see the movie themselves.

Dr Willie Smits should be applauded and recognized for his magnificent vision as well as the brilliant work he is doing in Borneo. Without his determination, there would not have been any Eco-Warriors to share in his passion, or to help where help is needed in the villages of Borneo, or to educate communities across the world.

The fact that this movie has made it to cinemas across the globe is a testament to the dedication of Dr Smits and the Eco-Warriors, as well as the work they have done and the work they are still doing. It is still very much a work in progress.

Perhaps the biggest revelation I had was that I, along with most of the viewers in the cinema with me, come home each night to a comfortable dwelling that has water on tap, food chilling in the fridge and more food languishing in the pantry. We have little to worry about except for lifestyle bills that we accrue in search of our dream home/dream lifestyle/comfortable car/next holiday. We, the viewers, have no idea what it is like to live like the Eco-warriors lived for 100 days.

Considering what they went through and the situation they were faced with on arrival, I believe the Eco-warriors to be among the bravest young people walking on the earth today. To be able to not only stand up for what you believe in but to then also campaign among your community for the privilege to be an Eco-warrior is huge. To actually take up the challenge after you have been selected to be in the first and final group of Eco-warriors, is outstanding. I believe that each one of the Eco-warriors worked to the best of their abilities in the conditions they were in. I doubt there are many who would rise to the challenges and tough conditions in the same selfless manner and with the same passion that the Eco-warriors in the film displayed.

My first thought when I left the cinema (apart from anger at what I see as a huge deception on the part of food manufacturers) was to check the contents of my pantry, fridge and freezer. Why? I urge you to go and see the movie and hopefully, you will realize how important reading packaged food labels really is.

Conserving, preserving, and sustaining our environment has always been at the fore of my personal beliefs. When I was much younger I auditioned for and was chosen to be one of the cast members for the Australian ABC-TV Earth Watch children's program in 1980. I believe this show to have been well ahead of it's time but sadly, it went largely unappreciated in 1980.

When I learned about the Rise of the Eco-Warriors through Ben Dessen's passion and determination, I was very encouraged by the efforts of Dr Willie Smits and those of every one of the Eco-warriors.

This movie is about the determination of one very dedicated mentor and his passionate group of young Eco-warriors. Their fervour for justice has led to many positive actions that have delivered hope to many.

Congratulations to Dr Willie Smits, Cathy Henkel, the Eco-warriors and to the entire production team and staff.

A magnificent movie that I have seen twice and would not mind seeing again :)

I think the message that I took away from this film is the old "power of one". We can all sit there and knock "What will the film achieve in is a seemly impossible situation?" But they are at least trying. Young people away from their ps4 not attached to an iphone trying to make a difference. Who knows who this film will inspire and the ripple it could have.I took my kids today to see The Muppet Movie, I know it's will not be mentioned past today's outing. A few weeks ago I took my kids to see Rise of the Eco Warriors and my year 6 boy picked Palm Oil as his impromptu talk subject (he hates talking in the front of the class) and his teacher that afternoon emailed me how well he spoke and passionately he spoke. And we have celebrated a palm oil free Easter . We should have more film like this showing in main stream cinema and stop dumbing down our kids with Spiderman, Captain America and Lego men let's give them some real heroes and role models.

It has been a long time since I've seen a film that has really plucked and strummed on every single one of my heart strings. Having a natural passion myself for nature and wildlife it really hit me hard to see the immense lengths these young men and women went to, to not only begin to make a difference but to inspire and educate all those around them. The entire time I was fighting back tears and becoming a blubbering mess in the middle of the theatre the two times I have seen this film. I've never been left feeling so empowered and so inspired, knowing that every little thing I can do to help WILL eventually make a change. This is the ideal film for men, woman and children of all ages, it's sense of passion, determination, love and teamwork will leave you all feeling amazing! A huge congratulations to everyone involved, producing a truly eye-opening, honest and heartwarming documentary. I highly recommend seeing it!