Heritage Fight

Heritage Fight is a 2012 environmental documentary film that strikes at the heart of the tension between economic development and ecological conservation. It showcases the dilemma faced by those considering the immediate financial gains potentially offered by development, against the concerns of those wishing to protect their cultural and environmental heritage for future generations. The film stars Joseph Roe and Teresa Roe, two prominent figures from the Indigenous community in Australia, narrating their compelling journey.

The film is directed by Eugénie Dumont who uses this cinematic masterpiece to spotlight the paradox blending the urgency of sustainable development and industrialisation with the unquestionable necessity of environmental conservation and the preservation of a cultural heritage of the Goolarabooloo people, situated in Kimberley, western Australia.

The centre stage of the documentary is the untamed Australian landscape, which appears almost as a character rather than a backdrop in the film. The movie shifts between vistas of scrubby desert vegetation, pristine beaches, and lush greenery, all while capturing the essence of the Indigenous people’s connectedness to the country. This is contrasted with the threatening specter of industrial development, signified by looming machinery and imposed infrastructure that signifies the relentless march of progress that is often at odds with the preservation of natural landscapes and ancient heritage.

Joseph Roe plays himself in the film, showing the world his role as the leader and custodian of the Goolarabooloo community. He is a determined, stoic, and uncompromising figure, standing in firm opposition to the proposed development of a $45 billion liquid natural gas processing plant in the heart of their lands. He does an exceptional job in articulating the profound connection his people hold with the land, the deep sense of spirituality and history attached to it, as well as the ecological implications of the development and how it may threaten this connection.

Teresa Roe co-stars in the film, standing by Joseph's side, adding a complementary perspective that equally emphasizes the connection to the land, and deep commitment to fight for its preservation. Beyond this, Teresa brings a personal narrative to the discussion that enhances the emotional and cultural depth of the film.

Throughout the movie, the audience is taken on a journey that highlights the relationship between the past, present and future, through the lens of the Indigenous community. It combines cultural history, spirituality, environmental conservation, and economic arguments, to present a holistic picture of the community’s fight. The cinematography is raw and breathtaking, taking full advantage of the natural beauty of the land to accentuate what's at risk if industrial development is allowed to proceed unchecked.

The filmmakers use the chatter of corporate and governmental powers as a background score, throwing into stark relief the cultural and ecological gap between the worldviews of the Industrial proponents and the Aboriginal Indigenous people. The juxtaposition is thought-provoking and engenders empathy in the audience for the plight of these Indigenous communities who are seeking to protect their lands and their way of life against encroaching industrialization.

The strength of Heritage Fight lies in its ability to humanize a complicated and contentious issue. It presents a powerful cross-sectional view of the industrialisation vs conservation debate, while also shining a spotlight on Indigenous rights issues. This film does not shy away from infusing the narrative with emotion, passion, and the spiritual connection between the Goolarabooloo community and the region they are striving to protect.

Heritage Fight is a tale of resistance, hope, and the emboldened spirit of a community fighting against erasure of their historical and cultural roots. It serves as a compelling reflection on the balance we need to strike in our world between progress and preservation. It's a significant story that rings true beyond the beautiful landscapes of Kimberley, and its message has universal relevance for any community facing similar environmental and cultural upheaval.