The other side of the nuclear debate

A Hard Rain

By David Bradbury

Frontline Films

For copies or screening information visit <www.frontlinefilms.com.au>

A week before the Labor Party overturned its "no new mines" policy in April, the Melbourne premiere of a new uranium film was held. A Hard Rain was made by Academy Award nominee and AFI award winner David Bradbury.

A Hard Rain travels the world examining different aspects of the nuclear fuel chain — uranium mines in outback Australia, power plants in Japan, a re-processing plant in Britain and making the weapons link through China. At each step, Bradbury grapples with some of the science and exposes disasters and health problems that are linked with them. We also hear from a dozen or more scientists and academics who support Bradbury's critique.

Bradbury becomes subject as well as film-maker in this film about the global nuclear industry. This is not surprising, as A Hard Rain is his fourth film about the issue, which he is clearly deeply committed to.

There are some other wonderful biographical moments of the anti-nuke movement — Dave Sweeney of the Australian Conservation Foundation is shown in 1997 in the filming of Jabiluka, and then, with much shorter hair, in 2006. It is a reminder that activists have been working tirelessly for decades to halt this industry in Australia.

The Howard government has called for a debate on nuclear issues, while clearly arguing on the "for" team. A Hard Rain produces a strong voice for the "against" side of the debate. While the uranium industry will bankroll PM John Howard's team, A Hard Rain will rely on those who want the other side heard — make your voice one of them.

From GLW issue 711