A new documentary film by Mary Wareham screened for the first time on August 1st, 2010. The 21-minute film entitled Cluster Bombs: Banned in New Zealand looks at the role of government and civil society in the process to create the convention. Made by Next Step Productions in cooperation with the Aotearoa New Zealand Cluster Munition Coalition, the film screened at an event held in Civic Square, Wellington to celebrate entry into force of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Synopsis
Cluster Bombs tells the unique story of New Zealand’s central role in the global movement to ban cluster bombs and stop civilian harm caused by this weapon. Through the personal testimonies of a deminer, a diplomat, an activist, and two politicians, this film explores the humanitarian impact of cluster bombs, the fruitless efforts to tackle its use through the United Nations, and the unconventional and risky diplomatic venture that led to the creation of the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. Set in the New Zealand capital of Wellington, Cluster Bombs shows how cooperation and steadfast determination can overcome barriers such as distance and size when pressing humanitarian threats present themselves.

Principal Credits
Executive Producer/Director – Mary Wareham
Editor – James Meikle
Producer – Jamilla Homayun
Camera Operator – Jason Naran
Sound Mix – Katy Wood
Original Music  – Nic Porteos

After a screening in the New Zealand parliament on August 3rd, Cluster Bombs will be made available for viewing online.

For more information, please see:

  • Flyer for Cluster Munitions: Banned in New Zealand (A5, PDF)
  • Script for Cluster Munitions: Banned in New Zealand (PDF)