Eleven years ago, the Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia, made history when a planned gasfield invasion of the region was stopped in its tracks by community pressure at Bentley, just west of Lismore.

The blockade at Bentley was the culmination of many years of blood, sweat and tears from thousands of people, and followed other blockades at Doubtful Creek (near Kyogle) and Glenugie (near Grafton).

Confusing Them With Our Joy tells the epic story of this anti-gas campaign, with a particular focus on the contributions of artists and musicians.

It was a victory for water, democracy, joy and love of country.

Our original plans for a three screen, four hour, multimedia experience were hammered by COVID and then the inundation of venues by flood, but limited screenings went ahead for the 10th anniversary.

This feature length, single screen version of Confusing Them With Our Joy was mastered in 4K quality for cinemas, and is now available for everyone to view free, online, via Vimeo or YouTube. Subtitles are included. Play it on the biggest screen you can find, with the volume turned up high!

Many thanks to everyone who contributed music, footage and wisdom to this project, along with all the Chuffed supporters who made it possible.

You can view the cinema cut via Vimeo from this link (up to 4K quality).

Or, if you prefer, it's also available on YouTube at this link.

Confusing Them With Our Joy was written and directed by David Lowe, produced together with Eve Jeffery and Luke Vassella, and presented by Cloudcatcher Media.

There are multiple short bonus films available to view via playlist here on Vimeo, and here on YouTube.

Enjoy!

0 comments

Masters of War

A personal film making A–Z

Renovator's Dream

Not Stopping – Reflections on the Road

Watching Charlie Sexton Over The Years

See all posts from David Lowe