THE Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s (RSGS) Inspiring People talks have arrived – and in Helensburgh this means six more exciting names speaking between September 2019 and March 2020.
First up on Thursday, September 26 will be young up-and-coming filmmaker Eilidh Munro.
Eilidh, 29, is speaking about an indie documentary she has been making in the depths of the remote Peruvian Amazon: Voices on the Road.
In this pristine wilderness, a road is quietly destroying a protected rainforest, causing conflict and fear. But for some indigenous communities desperate for change, this road also brings hope.
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To produce this documentary, Eilidh and her team embarked on an expedition in 2018 to unearth stories on this hugely polarising issue, giving a platform for the voices of marginalized communities.
The road is cutting through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Manu Biosphere Reserve, and opening it up to the outside world.
Many indigenous communities are struggling to live in this ‘paradise’ and the road brings the promise of a better life.
In her talk, Eilidh will be sharing stories from behind-the-scenes of this adventurous project, exploring why many indigenous people want this road to be built, what their expectations are for when it arrives, and what the realities are likely to be – both for them and for this globally important forest.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Eilidh said: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of the RSGS Inspiring People talks, especially as this is an event series I’ve enjoyed and learned so much from as an audience member in the past.
“I’m honoured to be able to share the story of our documentary and the filming expedition with audiences across Scotland.
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“As I’m from Scotland, I’ll also hopefully be able to catch the other Inspiring People talks that are taking place throughout this year and next, as the line-up looks brilliant.”
Mike Robinson, chief executive of RSGS, said: “Eilidh has a wonderful eye for film, and a thought-provoking story to tell.
“I hope her talk will leave the audience inspired to find out more about these issues – and we wish her every success with the documentary when it is released.”
Eilidh’s talk will take place at the Victoria Halls, Sinclair Street, from 7.30pm on Thursday.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite and on the door, costing £10 for visitors or free for RSGS members and students.
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