Jason Bray, a film maker and youth worker from Brisbane, is launching his documentary Ballots and Bullets, a film focused on the 2007 elections in the Philippines. In May 2007, Jason and his cameraman Woody join an unusal mix of Europeans, Australians and Filipinos to monitor the violent rural province of Nueva Ecija. With purpose and excitement, the group travel the countryside meeting dubious politicians, hearing stories of mass corruption and even visiting the aftermath of a shootout. What starts off as an exciting adventure slowly turns into a nightmare as the fear and immidation of Filipino politcal violence infiltrates the group and leads to divison and confusion just days after the election.

In the present day, Jason is out to discover what the outcome of the 2007 election was for Nueva Ecija and the group – who won, who lost and who survived? More importantly, in a political landscape dominated by guns, goons and gold, can Jason discover where the hope in the Philippines future lies? Two years in the making, Ballots and Bullets is a thrilling, yet heart felt documentary that is entertaining, insightful and ulimately challenging for anyone concerned about the plight of those struggling to live under oppressive political regimes.

Ballots and Bullets will begin a tour campaign with 4 screening dates in our neck of the woods, S.E. Queensland. If you would like to see the documentary come to one of the screenings on the Sunshine Coast or in Brisbane.

23 March, 7 pm – Kawana Uniting Church – Thunderbird Drive Bokarina
24 March 7.30pm – West End Uniting Church – 11 Sussex St, West End
25 March 7.30pm – Centenary Uniting Church – 37 Riverhills Rd, Middle Park
26 March, 7pm – Sunnybank Uniting Church – Hellawell/Hillcrest, Sunnybank Hill

ADMISSION to each screening is $10 with half of that going to FOCUS, an outreach program for street workers in Manila.