| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (55 min. 2 sec.) ; 329349512 bytes |
| Summary |
*This program includes graphic images of bomb injuries and some coarse language*There are bombs scattered all over the landscape in Laos, left from the US's 'Secret War' over 35 years ago, which was conducted during the war in neighbouring Vietnam without the knowledge of most of the outside world.Farming in Laos has been hampered by the presence of unexploded bombs - people blow themselves up whilst trying to cultivate the land - and bomb scrap has become the new cash crop. Local kids are quick to learn there is money to be made in bomb scrap metal, and as result the death rate of those killed by bombs - almost half of whom are children - is on the rise. This is a terrifying reality of the new generation.In Bomb Harvest, the discovery of yet another child victim brings Australian bomb disposal specialist Laith Stevens to a small village in Laos in South East Asia to diffuse the bomb responsible, only to discover that another live aircraft bomb is lodged spectacularly in a rice paddy behind the children's school.But Laith is forced to leave the live bomb unattended so he can train up young Lao technicians to become "Big Bomb" qualified. Without their manpower, the bombs can't be taken care of. Time is short, as Laith is fearful that the bombs will automatically detonate or the foraging children will trigger it before he gets back, and he has to quickly take the fledgling bomb disposal technicians through a course where any mistakes can prove fatal. The film shifts between the high tension of dealing with live bombs - which could turn them all into 'pink mist' in an instant - and the camaraderie between the team members who do such a dangerous job. We also meet some of the elders and surviving victims of war - people who experienced an illegal air war which delivered tonnes of bombs to their country. Bomb Harvest explores how three generations of people, in a largely forgotten country, have been left to deal with the mess of an air war long after it is over.PRODUCTION DETAILS:Produced with Lemur Films in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Film Commission, the New South Wales Film & Television Office, Film Buff Productions and the Harold Mitchell Foundation |
| Event |
Broadcast 2010-02-28 at 01:00:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: M |
| Subject |
Bomb reconnaissance.
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Farmers -- Social conditions.
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Ordnance disposal units.
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Vietnam War (1961-1975)
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Laos.
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| Form |
Streaming video
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| Author |
Mordaunt, Kim, director
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Stevens, Laith, cast
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