Tunnel Vision Documentary (2016) Online

A wonderfully crafted David and Goliath tale, 'Tunnel Vision' is testimony to the power of the people. Ivan Hexter's unfettered access to the film's subjects makes for a compelling and intimate exploration of what it takes for a community of activists to halt major development in the city of Melbourne, Australia. With the camera in the midst of the action, 'Tunnel Vision' is at the epicentre of events as they unfold, revealing a community unafraid to voice their dissent and uncover the truth of their government's big business interests. A fast-paced, gripping and insightful documentary that says as much about the strength of community spirit, as it does about the hidden agendas of those in power.

Ivan Hexter and his 'Tunnel Vision' production team have terrifically put together this dramatic record of the campaign against the imposed Melbourne, Victoria, East/West Link toll-way. The Victorian Government's E/W Link plan was designed to 'ease traffic flow' by constructing toll-ways. These were planned to go through inner-city residential areas and public park lands. The campaign fought by local residents/activists against the government forces makes for arresting viewing.

The camera is right in the action from the early council and resident action group meetings to the confrontation on picket lines with the Victorian Police special force dragging demonstrators away, to the closing shots of residents celebrating the withdrawal of the proposal.

There is a great selection of local talking heads arguing to stop the development; the RAT resident with the angular glasses, the grey- haired guy energetically everywhere, and the enterprising photographer - the 'banner' of her photos of demonstrators provides the broad human face of the campaign.

There is also powerful use of television news, satirical Tandberg (The Age) cartoons and animated 'Link' info-mercials, allowing voice to both sides. In effectively selected clips, the then Premier of Victoria, Dennis Napthine, and the then Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott's, promotion of the E/W Link show their apparent indifference to the residents' right to community, the local and wider environment and the residents' right to have a say. That 'say', people power vs the state, people's commitment and intensity, is at the heart of the aptly titled 'Tunnel Vision'.