Thursday 8 June 7-10.30pm

London screening of the Bentley Effect, a timely story of a community’s heroic stand against unconventional gas, which shows how strategic direct action and peaceful protest from a committed community can overcome industrial might and political short-sightedness.

When the coal seam gas industry staked a claim on the Northern Rivers shire of Australia, alarm bells rang out. A critical mass of people from all walks of life – farmers, landowners, parents, activists, scientists – organised themselves to rally against the unconventional gas invasion. Despite the enormous public opposition, the gas industry and the State Government were determined to see their gas plan through. A series of dramatic blockades ensued, before the final battle lines were drawn in the peaceful farming valley of Bentley. Thousands of people flocked to the site to stare down the threat of 850 riot police, ordered in to break up the protest. What happened next set an historic precedent.

Filmed over five years, The Bentley Effect documents the highs and lows of the battle to keep a unique part of Australia gasfield-free.

The screening at the Hive Dalston will be followed by a Q&A. There are plenty of comfy sofas and refreshments will be available.

We have arranged ticket by donation on the door. If you can afford the suggested donation structure below that would be great to support the director to pay for the film but please just pay what you can afford:

Supporter donation – £10
Standard donation – £7
Concessions donation – £5

Money from ticket sales is used to fund the UK tour of this film. You can also make an additional donation towards the tour costs if you wish at https://planetfunder.org/projects/The-Bentley-Effect-UK

If you’d like to come, please book a place at the screening via Eventbrite, so we can get an idea of numbers:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-bentley-effect-london-screening-discussion-tickets-33783597650