Two years after the Gulf of Mexico disaster BP say the area is back in business. But in reality oil is washing up on the beaches, local residents are falling ill and the peak of the crisis is yet to come. "We are glad to report all beaches and waters are open", states BP in a new advertising campaign. For the oil company business can resume as normal, but for the communities whose livelihoods rely upon the waters around the Gulf of Mexico business could not be worse: "there are no oysters growing so our future is very uncertain". Moreover, many locals who volunteered during the clear up are now suffering potentially fatal health problems caused by toxins in the chemical BP used to disperse the oil, Corexit 9527. "They are having breathing problems, headaches, breaking out in rashes, asthma...", explains a community worker, Glenda Perryman. And there could still be a wider threat to human health; strong evidence suggests the oil has got into the food chain. "We're finding it in larger quantities over a one-year period after the spill, so it's bio-accumulating. It's going to impact on generations to come", says Wilma Subra, an environmental scientist. As with the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska, it will take a few more years before the real impact of this spill is felt. For those in the locality, that may be too late: "I don't know if I am living or dying".
SBS
(Ref: 5509)
Jordan - Sofex: The Business of War
- 19' min 58'' sec [14 May 2012]
The one-stop shop of the international weapons industry
Worldwide, battles are raging between governments and rebels, drug cartels and gangs. But where do all the weapons come from? In this report the frightening reality of the international arms trade comes to light.
Walking through the huge complex in the middle of the Jordanian desert, you could be at a car sales show. Flashy posters advertise new models and eager salesman compete for attention: but they are selling deadly weapons. Just outside the hall filled with endless stalls selling M16s and Javelin rockets, they've even got a training centre where you can go and try them all out. "For a state, it's easy. For a terrorist or a criminal organization it's more difficult", a defense industry journalist explains. Over the week more than 12,000 attendees visit this brainchild of King Abdullah II, whose biggest sponsor is the USA."It's weird. Everybody's real cordial with each other. But at the end of the day, we're buying weapons to destroy each other with", a US marine says.
Vice Media Inc
(Ref: 5514)
UK - Lockerbie: Case Closed
- 46' min 00'' sec [16 April 2012]
Cameron rejects inquest plea in wake of Megrahi death
This powerful film goes in search of answers to a 24-year-old mystery. In the only TV interview Megrahi ever gave about his case, he claims new evidence will prove him innocent. Was he wrongly convicted?
The Lockerbie disaster was the worst terrorist attack to hit Europe and a painstaking investigation ensued. The final case relied solely upon the evidence of one man, Tony Gauci, and a tiny piece of circuit board found amongst the wreckage. But according to those involved in the investigation, "Gauci was coached and given money for his evidence". More importantly, the crucial piece of circuit board turned out to not be linked to Libyan equipment. Revealing the results of new tests and previously secret assessments, this film offers a fresh consideration of whether it is true that "this is Britain's worst miscarriage of justice: the wrong man was convicted and the real killers are still out there".
Network Features
(Ref: 5491)
Egypt - Tahrir's Troubadours
- 12' min 05'' sec [21 May 2012]
Last year, Tahrir Square rang out to the sound of violent protests over Mubarak's rule. Now the sound of music can be heard from two troubadours who've taken up performing at the square's tent city protest.
Ahmed Moses, Hany Bade and their supporters spend each night in the square singing their message of peace and unity. One Muslim and the other Christian, they're calling for an end to the sectarian clashes that have followed Egypt's revolution. And as the turbulent transition from Mubarak's regime continues to play out, the troubadours refuse to be silenced. "Music plays a major role in any revolution: it's easier to get people to listen when you sing".
SBS
(Ref: 5518)
Uganda - Life On Air
- 8' min 40'' sec [21 May 2012]
In Uganda's conservative society, sexual health is a taboo that contributes to many deaths. But now one young girl from Kampala is breaking the silence with a fast-talking radio show about sex in the city. "This is straight talk radio: it is fun, educational and hilarious!" Feisty 20-year-old Doreen has got everyone talking with her popular radio show about sex and relationships. Through interviews with young women and a family planning nurse, the young DJ addresses issues like contraception and HIV that would otherwise be a mystery to her young listeners. "I've really learnt so much".
Lambent Productions
