Bhopali

Thu. 6th November, 7pm, SAN FERNANDO HILL

Bhopali/ USA/ 2011/ 89 min Documentary Feature/ Director: Max Carlson/ View trailer

BHOPALI documents the experience of second generation children affected by the Union Carbide gas disaster of 1984, the worst industrial disaster in history, and subsequent contamination of groundwater by Union Carbide Corporation (an American company now owned by Dow Chemical, the second largest chemical company in the world). It follows several children as they and their families cope with the ongoing medical and social disaster, as well as their memories of that traumatizing night that shocked the world and changed Bhopal forever. Set against the backdrop of vehement protests for the 25th anniversary of the disaster, the Bhopalis continue to fight for justice, proving to be anything but victims.

Thousands were killed and more than 100,000 were affected by the contaminants. 26 years have passed since the disaster, yet the suffering continues and, for the victims, justice has yet to be seen. Award winning director Van Maximilian Carlson presents a modern portrait of shattered lives in the community surrounding the abandoned Union Carbide factory. We focus on survivors of the disaster and their families as they continue life amongst the indelible remainders of contamination and death. Set against a backdrop of high stakes activism, global politics, and human rights advocacy, this film explores the ongoing struggle for justice against Union Carbide, the American corporation responsible for the disaster. Featuring Noam Chomsky, Satinath Sarangi, and attorney Rajan Sharma.

SAIBA BABU, an 18-month-old infant, was born in 2008 with severe birth defects due to the contaminated water near the factory. We witness her father’s journey to restore Saiba’s health within a hospital system ill equipped and incapable of helping. “Here at the hospital, money talks. You give money, and you’ll be looked after. We are poor people, and we don’t have money, and that’s why no one looks after us, even if your child is dying.”

UNION CARBIDE, now owned by DOW Chemical, is the perpetrator of the world’s worst industrial disaster in modern history. It once produced jobs and pesticides that aided India’s agricultural development but “from the 80s onwards, Union Carbide cut costs in every way possible… which meant reduction of safety.” In 1984 a toxic gas leak occurred at the factory, killing and devastating thousands

 “For the Bhopal people the disaster has been unending. There are more than 100,000 people still chronically ill. In the next generation there are children born to gas effected people that are being born with birth defects, growth disorders, and additionally there are 30,000 people who have been forced to drink contaminated water for the last 15 years.” The demand for justice against the corporation responsible is articulated in BHOPALI by interviews, scenes of activism, and commemorative events during the 25th anniversary of the disaster (December 2009.)

THE CHINGARI TRUST (link to “Get Involved” page) is a rehabilitation center in Bhopal that treats and educates children born with debilitating physical and mental conditions caused by the contaminants from Union Carbide. The trust is a safe-haven for the children of Bhopal and their mothers, who depend on and attend Chingari regularly. BHOPALI documents the heartbreaking conditions of the children at Chingari, while contrasting the hopes of mothers who witness their child’s progress, with the anguish of those whose children will never improve.

SANJAY VERMA was 6 months old when the disaster killed his mother, father, and five brothers and sisters in one night, leaving only his older siblings Sunil and Mumpta alive. Sanjay searches for answers to lingering questions that have haunted him throughout his life. “Where was God when my family died? Where was God when my brother took his life? Where was God?” This guilt and his many questions over those who died that night, his family, and God, have led him to activism. Sanjay’s heroic struggle, transcending from a victim to a survivor to an activist, has given him hope.

Thu. 6th November, 7pm, SAN FERNANDO HILL

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