A people speak out for their river, and for their future

The Hidden Valley gold and silver mine in the Morobe Province is affecting communities living along the Watut River, a long and fast-flowing river in the lush mountains of Papua New Guinea. In this evocative and beautifully shot short documentary we hear how indigenous models of development are clashing with those imposed by mining companies and government when they are not listening to local landowners.

“Is this development for the benefit of local people or for the shareholders in Australia and South Africa?” – Howard Sindana in Hidden Valley.

We hear from a diverse range of local community representatives, community workers and landowners including Reuben Mete from the Union of Watut River Communities and from Dr. Gavin Mudd, an environmental engineer, as they describe the impacts of this jointly Australian - South African owned mine as well as the way forward to a more sustainable future.

Premiered at on 5th September 2013 at the Environmental Film Festival Melbourne, Australia.