A controversial environmental documentary by a University of Otago student has been selected to screen in the London International Documentary Festival next month.
River Dog tells the story of film-maker James Muir's father, Grant, and his three-year battle to stop farmers grazing stock on the Pahaoa River bed in the Wairarapa.
The film shows his frustration and feelings of isolation in the community as he challenges traditional New Zealand farming practices.
South Wairarapa district councillor and farmer Julie Riddell threatened defamation proceedings against Mr Muir and the Paramount Theatre in Wellington if the film was shown.
It screened regardless, with Mr Muir dismissing the legal threats as "a bullying tactic meant to scare me and the theatre into withdrawing the screening".
"This is the story of one man making a stand about something he believes in and how challenging that can be," he said on Friday.
"The issue being raised is not one of personal grievance towards any one farmer. The issue being raised is about the protection and care of our fresh water."
River Dog has also been nominated for five awards at the Reel Earth International Film Festival in Palmerston North on May 14.
The nominations are for best short film, best New Zealand film, best emerging film-maker, best New Zealand film-maker and best cinematography.
