Coconut Revolution -- Bougainville Independence Struggle (1999)

An inspiring story of forced self sufficiency, survival, innovation and armed struggle against a mining multi-national and the powers that supported it -- Papua New Guinea and Australia. Starting off with bows and arrows against helicopter gunships, gradually winning weapons from the enemy and with some ingenious DIY inventiveness, the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) not only survived a forced blockade, but went on to win their independence and kick out the company that had scarred and polluted their sacred island. Some of the secrets of how they kept the lights on and ran their vehicles with no imported petrol/diesel are also revealed. When I first saw this film -- around 2000 -- I was blown away. I couldn't stop thinking about these amazing people; their victory in their David and Goliath style struggle. The way they harnessed nature to overcome the odds. Thanks to the internet, the film -- one of my all time favourites -- is available to everyone. 'The leader must clean the boots of his people' Francis Ona (RIP)
Video Rating: 5 / 5