Film Viewing Into the Niger Delta
BACKGROUND: Nigeria is one of the world’s largest oil exporters, with over 40% of the country’s total exports going to the US. Nearly all of Nigeria’s primary reserves are concentrated in and around the delta of the Niger River. Up to 1.5 million tons of oil, 50 times the pollution unleashed in the 1989 Exxon Valdez tanker disaster in Alaska, have been spilled in the Niger Delta over the past 50 years. As a result, drinking water wells are contaminated with benzene, a known and deadly carcinogen, at levels great than 900 times above the World Health Organization guidelines. Fisheries and fishing stock have been destroyed, entire ecosystems have been decimated, gas flares from oil wells are causing acid rain and air pollution, and millions of people have been displaced. Nigerians are now in a state of desperation and there has been a recent dramatic escalation in violence.
A Resolution has been proposed in the US House of Representatives that encourages US participation in international efforts to devise clean up and regulation strategies. The resolution has already gained the support of several elected officials and will soon be put to a vote before the House. If passed, the resolution could lead to rebuilding infrastructure in the Niger Delta and bring heightened awareness to the ongoing crisis.
WHAT: Jeta Amata, the producer of Into the Delta, would like to screen the documentary on your campus and join your students, faculty, and other special guests in a panel discussion following the screening. Into the Delta chronicles the experiences of seven diverse Americans as they travel to the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to witness first-hand the environmental devastation and social unrest caused by catastrophic oil spills that have been occurring for over 50 years.
WHO: Jeta Amata is an acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker who has written and directed over 20 films, most recently completing work on a feature film called Black November. This film complements the documentary and serves as a tool to engage the general public and raise widespread awareness of the plight of the Niger Delta.
WHY: Screening the documentary on college campuses across the US is intended to educate students on this pressing global issue. Students will be exposed to ways they can think critically and participate in civic agency to make a positive impact in a struggling region of the world.
WHEN: Cornell has been selected as a venue for the screening of this documentary during the fall quarter. We would like to screen the film on your campus during the week of September 24-27.
HOW: Wells & Jeta Entertainment will work with you to secure the on-campus screening venue and partner with campus organizations, academic departments, and student associations to host the event and conduct campus outreach.
To confirm your participation, contact: Snejana Daily at (310) 282-8600 or
intothenigerdelta@gmail.com
