AN AWARD-WINNING documentary directed by two University of South Wales graduates has been shown in Wales for the first time.
When Two Worlds Collide tells the story of an indigenous leader fighting to save untouched Amazonian rainforest land in Peru from oil, mineral and gas extraction.
It was directed by Mathew Orzel, from Langstone, and his close friend Heidi Brandenberg. The producer was Taira Akbar
Speaking earlier this week, Mr Orzel, who studied graphic design at University of Wales Newport but has been living in Peru since 2007, said: “I’m really excited about tonight, it’s very special to show the film here at the University of South Wales.
“I really wanted to bring the film back to where it started.”
Mr Orzel said that the last time he was in Wales was three years ago, and he spoke of his pride at returning to screen the film at the University of South Wales main building in Cardiff on Tuesday.
“The film is in the cinemas in Peru now and it’s going very well, the response from the audience has been incredible," he added.
“It’s a very emotional story for the Peruvians. There was a lot of misinformation being given out by the press at the time.
“A lot of people didn’t really understand what had really happened. We’ve had many years to get the information and be able to tell the full story, it’s a complex issue.”
El choque de dos mundos - the name of the documentary in Spanish - has won several awards, including the Special Jury Prize for Best Debut Feature at Sundance Film Festival and the Best International Documentary Award at Shanghai International Film Festival.
Mr Orzel said that they have ideas for their next piece, but that the last few months they’ve focused on promoting the film as well as developing an impact campaign so that, after watching the documentary, audiences can do something about what’s happening in the Amazonia.
To find out more about When Two Worlds Collide, visit whentwoworldscollidemovie.com/
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