Southern Blast Film Tour
Environmental activism isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when the names “Ben” and “Jerry” are mentioned in the same sentence, but it turns out the world’s largest ice cream brand delivers on more than just the sweet stuff. This summer, they’re bringing ice cream and activism to towns and cities across New South Wales – and inviting you to get in on the sweet action. For the past four years, Ben & Jerry’s Aussie team have focused their activism energy on partnering with grass (and sea) roots NGOs to stop new oil and gas developments. Their latest campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about a potentially devastating fossil fuel operation set to be performed off the coast of Australia. The fossil fuel operation – which will be the largest seismic blasting operation the world has ever seen – would release airgun powered blasts into the ocean every ten seconds for up to 400 days. The blasts used in seismic procedures are louder than the atomic bomb detonated at Hiroshima, and pose huge risks to marine life (including lobsters, who have been found to suffer serious concussion as a result). To spread the message about the risks that this potential operation poses, Ben & Jerry’s have partnered with Surfrider Foundation Australia for a three-month campaign involving film screenings, ice-cream giveaways and one mammoth bike ride (more on that here). The film – directed by award-winning director Matty Hannon – features legendary Australian free-surfer Torren Martyn, inte