
The Opposition

The Opposition
Where to Watch The Opposition

The Opposition is an engaging, thought-provoking film directed by Hollie Fifer and released in 2016. An intensely stirring documentary, it chronicles the grave struggle for justice and human rights in the backdrop of uncontrolled exploitation and corporate greed. Based in Papua New Guinea, the film showcases the real plight and consequences of an economic progression that disregards basic human rights and the environment.
The film takes an in-depth look at the world's smallest yet incredibly diverse country, Papua New Guinea, with a population of 8 million people, comprising more than 800 distinct tribes, each with its unique language. However, lurking behind its diverse cultural landscape and biological wealth, Papua New Guinea is also ravaged by resource exploitation, land degradation and human rights violations, which forms the focus of The Opposition.
The central character of The Opposition is Joe Moses, a community leader of the Paga Hill community in the capital city of Port Moresby. Moses was an ordinary real estate agent who shocked the world by standing up against an Australian-led development that sought to turn his community's land into a luxury resort.
The unsuspecting Paga Hill community was served an eviction notice out of the blue, after which the bulldozers started to descend on the community, destroying several homes and lives in its wake. This sets into motion a heart-wrenching battle, with the defenceless community pitted against powerful corporate giants determined to claim the land for their profit.
Joe Moses, in his daring attempt to protect his community and preserve their homes, ends up facing intimidating circumstances, including personal threats, arrests, and potential assassination. His resolve to save his community fuels his legal battle against the developers. Moses, in his pursuit, ends up seeking refuge in Australia, seeking aid, as the situation back home grows tenser by the day.
The Opposition not only explores these disturbing land rights issues and human rights abuses but also highlights the exploitative aid practices meted out by developed nations to economically weaker nations. The film intentionally probes the involvement and interests of Australian parties in the unfurling events and questions the moral integrity of the economic forces at play. The detailed exposition lays bare the political, social, and economic dynamics involved in these grossly unequal power relations.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the documentary features hauntingly beautiful cinematography. The contrast between the intricate natural beauty of Papua New Guinea and the dark, unyielding machinery of development is stark, adding depth to the narrative and underlining its plea for humanity.
Director Hollie Fifer's storytelling approach is raw, visceral, and impactful. She intertwines personal narratives with broader socio-political themes, presenting a chillingly realistic picture of the power dynamics at play. The movie carries an undertone of courageous resistance, packs an emotional punch, and pushes the viewers to question our collective path of endless 'development' at the cost of basic human rights and environmental sanctity.
The Opposition also shows the sheer power of cinema in bringing light to unheard voices and unreported realities. It showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds and the uncompromising grit that echoing justice can require.
While the film is a gritty exploration of personal sacrifice and struggle, it also inspires viewers to reflect on wider themes. It inspires debates on socio-economic equality, human rights, land rights, development ethics, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and indeed, the very meaning of progress itself.
In conclusion, The Opposition is a profound documentary that appeals to your deepest human sensibilities while painting a vivid picture of an unseen part of the world where disparities run wild. The movie calls for an urgent reassessment of our global notions of 'development' and 'progress.' It's a compelling cinematic journey that reveals the resilience and strength of those who dare to stand against formidable adversaries to protect their homes and their rights.
