On 12 January 2014, TV Folha broadcast a special programme 'The Battle of Belo Monte' a live reporting of the largest and most controversial infrastructure project of the Lula and Dilma governments. This video is a compilation of the three sections of the programme: The Construction Site, Altamira and People Affected. In December, a 2013 a special multimedia edition...
As a response to the current investment in large hydroelectric dams as a foundation for Brazil's 'sustainable' economic growth, 'Costs' addresses the impacts these projects have caused on both the environment and people. Director Marilene Ribeiro surveys three hydro schemes that happen at different times in Brazil (past - the Sobradinho dam, present - the Belo...
The massive destruction of forest to make way for the Belo Monte dam and associated roads, reservoir and channels.
Video: Repórter Brasil 2015 (in Portuguese)
The struggle of an indigenous Amazonian people in defence of their rights and the land on which they live, in Sarayaku, Ecuador -- against the oil companies, the military and the government.
Video: in Kichwa and Spanish, with English subtitles. 2017
Film. Crudo ('Crude oil'). Directed by Joe Berlinger. Red Envelope & Entendre Films. 1hr 44mins. 2009. English subtitles.
A few years ago, the Ecuadorian government gave an oil company permission to drill for oil on land belonging to the Sarayaku Indigenous Community. The Sarayaku were never consulted and they have been fighting the decision ever since. This film shows them take their struggle to the highest regional court in the Americas. If...
19 December 2018. A major indigenous group in Argentina has filed a criminal complaint against BP subsidiary Pan American Energy for illegally dumping toxic fracking waste in the “sensitive Patagonian environment”.
According to Greenpeace analysis,
the “hazardous waste” contains high levels of hydrocarbons, heavy
metals, and radioactive elements that pose reproduction and
inhalation risks.
The waste pools, one of which spans the...
Photographer from Minas Gerais launches book with photos and stories of communities affected by hydroelectric dam. This review of an exhibition of photographs was translated for LAB by Chris Whitehouse. The original, in Portuguese, can be read here. The series will be exhibited in Marilene's solo show as 'Agua Muerta' at Casa de America, Madrid in September 2021.
Photographer from...
24 October 2018
Dear LAB Supporter and Friend,
Brazil on the edge
With all eyes on Sunday (28 October)’s second round of Brazil’s presidential elections, LAB has been trying to keep on top of the torrent of news and opinion sent to us. Jan Rocha, our regular São Paulo correspondent has done an extraordinary job. You can see her blog here,...