*** PRESS RELEASE ***
Futenma-Henoko Action Network Naha, Okinawa, Japan February 16, 2005
OKINAWA-BASED INTERNATIONAL NETWORK LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO MAKE BBC DOCUMENTARY FILM, RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT CENTRAL THREAT TO OKINAWA’S ENVIRONMENT
An international network of educators and students has come together to raise funds for the production of an environmental documentary for the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Earth Report.
The documentary film will focus on the environmental consequences of a joint US-Japan plan to build a new US military air base atop a coral reef in Okinawa’s pristine Henoko Bay, and the ongoing efforts to save the marine ecosystem.
The Futenma-Henoko Action Network is made up of individuals from Okinawa, mainland Japan, England and the United States.
Filling various roles in the educational field, FHAN members were drawn together by their mutual recognition that popular education – getting accurate information out to the general public – is the key to broader awareness of and concern for Okinawa’s globally unique eco-system, and realization that a healthy environment means a healthy, sustainable society.
FHAN members hope that the educational documentary will contribute to their twin goals of halting the construction of the air base in Henoko Bay and, related to this, the unconditional and swift closure of the US Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station.
Greenpeace Japan Executive Director Steve Shallhorn spells out priorities for Henoko
Earth Report and key arrangements
Earth Report is the BBC’s highly acclaimed weekly environmental program. It has a potential global audience of over 700 million viewers. The documentary will be made by Television Trust for the Environment (TVE), a non-profit film production company that makes documentaries for Earth Report.
Australian filmmaker Steve Couri has already been appointed to direct the documentary. As co-producer, FHAN will own the rights to the film, making it possible for the network to distribute it widely to local broadcasters, environmental and other organizations, educators and anyone else interested in viewing or showing the film.
Recognizing the tremendous educational value of such a documentary, FHAN plans to create an educational kit to accompany copies of the documentary for teachers and organizations.
Earth Report is committed to making the film even if the air base project is successfully halted before filming is complete.
FHAN welcome the possibility that the film will tell the story of a successful campaign to protect Okinawa’s environment.
In any case, Network members are confident that the film will inspire and encourage other efforts to protect the environment, especially from military activities and development projects, around the world.
Fundraising goals and strategies
The total budget for the documentary is US$50,000, half of which must be raised through donations due to TVE’s non-profit status.
Given the critical nature of the Henoko issue, FHAN has set April 30 as its deadline to meet our fundraising goal of US$28,500 (approximately 3,000,000 yen).
We are aiming for slightly more than the estimated $25,000 budget to cover administrative costs.
According to Earth Report Editor Robert Lamb, filming will begin as soon as the budget is available.
Earth Report is committed to covering any cost overruns, ensuring smooth progress. Having already raised over 35,000 yen with almost no publicity, FHAN members are confident about an early start to filming.
FHAN is aiming its campaign at organizations and individuals who value local democracy, environmental justice, peace and human rights in order to help make the documentary a reality.
Recognizing that the fundraising campaign itself is a powerful educational tool, the Network will especially seek to attract donations from the United States and mainland Japan, as a way to raise awareness about the Henoko issue outside Okinawa.
The documentary film will focus on the environmental consequences of a joint US-Japan plan to build a new US military air base atop a coral reef in Okinawa’s pristine Henoko Bay, and the ongoing efforts to save the marine ecosystem.
The Futenma-Henoko Action Network is made up of individuals from Okinawa, mainland Japan, England and the United States.
Filling various roles in the educational field, FHAN members were drawn together by their mutual recognition that popular education – getting accurate information out to the general public – is the key to broader awareness of and concern for Okinawa’s globally unique eco-system, and realization that a healthy environment means a healthy, sustainable society.
FHAN members hope that the educational documentary will contribute to their twin goals of halting the construction of the air base in Henoko Bay and, related to this, the unconditional and swift closure of the US Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station.
Greenpeace Japan Executive Director Steve Shallhorn spells out priorities for Henoko
Earth Report and key arrangements
Earth Report is the BBC’s highly acclaimed weekly environmental program. It has a potential global audience of over 700 million viewers. The documentary will be made by Television Trust for the Environment (TVE), a non-profit film production company that makes documentaries for Earth Report.
Australian filmmaker Steve Couri has already been appointed to direct the documentary. As co-producer, FHAN will own the rights to the film, making it possible for the network to distribute it widely to local broadcasters, environmental and other organizations, educators and anyone else interested in viewing or showing the film.
Recognizing the tremendous educational value of such a documentary, FHAN plans to create an educational kit to accompany copies of the documentary for teachers and organizations.
Earth Report is committed to making the film even if the air base project is successfully halted before filming is complete.
FHAN welcome the possibility that the film will tell the story of a successful campaign to protect Okinawa’s environment.
In any case, Network members are confident that the film will inspire and encourage other efforts to protect the environment, especially from military activities and development projects, around the world.
Fundraising goals and strategies
The total budget for the documentary is US$50,000, half of which must be raised through donations due to TVE’s non-profit status.
Given the critical nature of the Henoko issue, FHAN has set April 30 as its deadline to meet our fundraising goal of US$28,500 (approximately 3,000,000 yen).
We are aiming for slightly more than the estimated $25,000 budget to cover administrative costs.
According to Earth Report Editor Robert Lamb, filming will begin as soon as the budget is available.
Earth Report is committed to covering any cost overruns, ensuring smooth progress. Having already raised over 35,000 yen with almost no publicity, FHAN members are confident about an early start to filming.
FHAN is aiming its campaign at organizations and individuals who value local democracy, environmental justice, peace and human rights in order to help make the documentary a reality.
Recognizing that the fundraising campaign itself is a powerful educational tool, the Network will especially seek to attract donations from the United States and mainland Japan, as a way to raise awareness about the Henoko issue outside Okinawa.