Rising Tide launches new film

June 21, 2025
Issue 
Activist panel at the Magan-djin/Brisbane Turning the Ship film launch
Activist panel at the Magan-djin/Brisbane Turning the Ship film launch, June 20. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

Well over 100 people launched the new Rising Tide documentary Turning the Ship in Magan-djin/Brisbane on June 20.

This follows a successful launch in Ngunnawal/Canberra on June 15 and a massive 250-strong global premiere in Muloobinba/Newcastle on June 12.

Other screenings are planned all around the country.

The film follows the story of Emily – a local Mulloobinba/Newcastle mum who found solidarity with Rising Tide and climate change activism - and ended up taking arrestable action at last year’s People’s Blockade after earlier resolving not to do so. Initially she said that she could not get arrested because she had to care for her children, but came to realise that she needed to take action on behalf of her children.

In the process, the film documents the heroic actions of ordinary people standing up against the fossil fuel industry and the efforts of the New South Wales government to try to shut down last year’s protest.

Following the screening of the film, activists Bowen, Linda and Natalie joined a panel explaining why they attended last year’s Blockade. Finding community, hope and inspiration were some of the themes that recurred in that discussion. Speakers also emphasised that there are lots of roles people can play in building the movement, not just arrestable or high-profile roles.

Musician Jenny Fitzgibbon played music to finish the night.

There will be a range of activities including a “Crafternoon” and a practice “Paddle Out” in the lead up to the People’s Blockade 2025 scheduled for November 27 to December 2 in Muloobinba/Newcastle.

Participants at the film screening were asked to fill out a survey on their willingness to be involved in Civil Resistance actions.

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Activists explain why they attended Rising Tide's People's Blockade
Activists explain why they attended Rising Tide's People's Blockade. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

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Jenny Fitzgibbon performing
Jenny Fitzgibbon performing. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

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Malcolm Paterson speaking
Malcolm Paterson speaking. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

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Hope was one of the themes of the night
Hope was one of the themes of the night. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

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