Local community invited to 'Nigger Lovers' documentary

Members of the local community are invited to attend a special screening of Nigger Lovers at the USQ Toowoomba Campus this Wednesday (30 May 2007).

The powerful documentary details USQ academic and Indigenous activist, Stephen Hagan's, fight to have the word ‘Nigger' removed from a Toowoomba sports ground.

The film was directed by Stephen's wife Rhonda and premiered at the Sydney Opera House in May. Stephen and fellow USQ academic Daryl Sparkes were co-producers and writers of the documentary.

Stephen said this will be an opportunity for the public to view the documentary before it is broadcast nationally on ABC television in July 2007.

'It is important for local people in the Toowoomba area to get my family's perspective on the issue,' Stephen said.

'A lot of people have mixed views on the sign and I encourage those who attend to come with an open mind as the documentary does present all angles and perspectives.'

The documentary interviews everyone from local Indigenous people to the Australian leader of the Klu Klux Klan (KKK).

'The documentary is of a high standard and Australian actor John Jarratt provided narration for the production,' Stephen said.

'We filmed in Herberton, Sydney, Byron Bay, Woodford, Brisbane and Toowoomba.

'During that time we talked to some interesting people, including the Australian leader of the KKK.'

After a successful premier at the Sydney Opera House earlier this month, Stephen encouraged the public to get in early if they wished to view the documentary.

'I am looking forward to this screening and my only advice to people would be to come early.

'Already the public and the media have expressed interest in the documentary and we plan to show it at film festivals around the world, where hopefully it will win some awards.'

A question and answer session will also be held following the screening, with Stephen and co-producer Daryl Sparkes available to answer questions from the audience.

The screening will begin at 12:30pm in the Allison Dickson lecture theatre. Members of the public are encouraged to arrive by 12:15pm to avoid disappointment.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628