ANZAC | Jotup

Before Dawn: young Aussie director’s new film is a sombre recount of the ANZACs’ sacrifice

Retrieved on:

Venerdì, Aprile 5, 2024

Hindenburg Line, ANZAC, Russell Boyd, Essay, Empathy, Armistice, Aborigine, Trauma, History, Portrait, Sheep, Australian, Decadence, Commonwealth, Film industry

Since Australia first began producing feature films, it has returned time and again to the subject of the first world war.

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Since Australia first began producing feature films, it has returned time and again to the subject of the first world war.
Before Dawn, out in cinemas today, is the latest in this long line of productions.

A sombre portrait of war

The Germans constructed the Hindenburg Line, also known as the Siegfriedstellung or “Siegfried Position” in German, as a defensive fortification on the Western Front in France during the winter of 1916–1917. Stretching between the towns of Arras and Laffaux in the country’s north, it served as a formidable barrier against Allied offensives.

Similar to All Quiet on the Western Front, Before Dawn downplays the celebration of victory and nationalist sacrifice by instead providing a sombre portrait of the horrors of combat.
By the time Armistice Day arrives on November 11 1918, marking the end of the war, it is hardly a victory for the soldiers.

A young man’s film through and through

That said, it would seem a little unfair to compare Before Dawn with the quality and emotional gravitas of Gallipoli.
Prince-Wright’s prior credits include 2018 film The Decadent and Depraved, an independent western genre film set in outback colonial Western Australia.
Prince-Wright shares screenwriting duties with Jarrad Russell, who is receiving his first screenwriting feature credit on the film.
Before Dawn is certainly a young man’s film, both in what is being represented as well as in the cast and crew behind the production.

Ambitious work

It relies too heavily on composer Sean Tinnion’s overstated musical score to provide emotional weight.
The contribution of Aboriginal soldiers during WWI is yet to be satisfactorily fictionalised on the screen.

Despite these faults and oversights, Before Dawn offers an account of the important sacrifice Australia made in assisting the Commonwealth during the war.
Coupled with other sources, it could function well as a teaching text for students learning about the Hindenburg Line.

Stephen Gaunson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

New Zealand is reviving the ANZAC alliance – joining AUKUS is a logical next step

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Martedì, Febbraio 13, 2024

Cold War, Luxon, Beijing Olympics, National Security Strategy, Government, ANZUS, History, Disagreement, Policy, ANZAC, Partnership, Airline

In envisioning a more central role for the ANZAC alliance with Australia, and possible involvement in the AUKUS security pact, it is recalibrating New Zealand’s independent foreign policy.

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In envisioning a more central role for the ANZAC alliance with Australia, and possible involvement in the AUKUS security pact, it is recalibrating New Zealand’s independent foreign policy.
At the inaugural Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial (ANZMIN) meeting in Melbourne earlier this year, the focus was on future-proofing the trans-Tasman alliance.
But the stage for this shift in New Zealand’s independent foreign policy had already been set by the Labour government in 2023.

In or out of AUKUS?

It flourished in a historically rare era of muted great power rivalry and unprecedented economic globalisation.
These historic positions, recently put forward by former National leader Don Brash and former prime minister Helen Clark, have run their course.
Read more:
The defence dilemma facing NZ's next government: stay independent or join 'pillar 2' of AUKUS?

Labour on the fence

New Zealand’s participation will invariably strengthen the ANZAC alliance.
This is something the Labour opposition will need to consider carefully.
Having asked for a national foreign policy conversation while in government, it is now signalling disquiet over AUKUS membership.

The future of independent foreign policy

Before the Beijing Olympics in 2008, China enjoyed a generally positive relationship with a range of countries across Asia and the Pacific.
If New Zealand’s elected government determines that AUKUS is in the national interest, then it must seek the broadest consensus possible domestically.
We are entering a new era for New Zealand’s independent foreign policy, one that includes a rebooted ANZAC alliance, with a possible AUKUS dimension.

Nicholas Khoo has received research funding from the Australian National University, Columbia University, and the Asia New Zealand Foundation in Wellington. He is a Non-Resident Principal Research Fellow with the Institute of Indo-Pacific Affairs in Christchurch.

The 'number 8 wire' days for NZ's defence force are over – new priorities will demand bigger budgets

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Giovedì, Agosto 10, 2023

New Zealanders have been put on notice that defence and security are among the bigger challenges the country faces this century.

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New Zealanders have been put on notice that defence and security are among the bigger challenges the country faces this century.
The release last week of a new national security strategy and defence policy strategy statement underscored the urgency of the required response.
But this will require financial and social investment in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at a scale not seen for decades.

Underfunding and apathy

At the end of the Cold War in 1991, defence expenditure was 2.26% of GDP.
Analysts have previously pointed to a degree of public apathy and negative perception of the NZDF.
A poll in 2007 showed a majority of New Zealanders were unwilling to see taxes increase to pay for defence.
The documents identify several challenges that logic dictates will require increased funding and better public support for defence.

The technology deficit

The strategy statement notes that military technology is “evolving at an exponential rate”.
The NZDF “needs to be more agile in adopting new technologies, including those that will help protect New Zealand and those that can project force”.
By contrast, the cover of the design principles document offers a clue to the challenge by featuring a 1980s-designed ANZAC frigate warship.
As one critical assessment in 2020 argued, “The decision to scrap air combat [fighter jet] capability in 2001 appears particularly reckless.”

Skills, people and pay

The NZDF needs to “adapt to a changing labour force to attract appropriate personnel”.
The 2022 NZDF annual report noted how the challenges in recruiting and retaining personnel affect operational readiness and resilience.
Given the employment market offers “remuneration rates greater than the NZDF currently provides”, a new pay model is needed.
Finally, the NZDF “will be called upon more often” for contingencies that include armed conflict, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

What are 'Advance' and 'Fair Australia', and why are they spearheading the 'no' campaign on the Voice?

Retrieved on:

Martedì, Luglio 25, 2023

But where the nostalgically minded group might have selected a name that, like its progressive counterpart, sounded a call to action – WakeUP!

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But where the nostalgically minded group might have selected a name that, like its progressive counterpart, sounded a call to action – WakeUP!
“Advance Australia” – now simply called Advance after the word Australia was mysteriously dropped – is a title that hints at progress and modernisation.
If that’s not confusing enough, Advance, and FA, are fronted by Peter Dutton’s hand-picked shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.

Waging war on ‘woke’

This “army” of democratic defenders, however, may be less of a “grassroots” movement than it claims.
A glance at the Australian Electoral Commission’s transparency register of Significant Third Parties shows Advance has received substantial repeat donations above the $14,500 declaration threshold.
Former Greens senator Lidia Thorpe is also leading a charge against the Voice on behalf of the “Blak Sovereign Movement”.
“The hypocrisy of elites railing at elites, however, rarely registers with the target audience,” noted Crikey’s Bernard Keane recently.

Borrowed from the US

The “freedom of mainstream values” may seem like a contradiction in terms, but it only needs to make sense as political messaging.
This imported “freedom” agenda is ably buttressed by two other headings, security and prosperity.
But you wouldn’t know it from the way woke politicians and the inner city elites carry on.
From attacks on Australia Day and the Anzacs by the ABC to the brutal pandemic lockdowns […]
We believe Australia is a free country.
But you wouldn’t know it from the way woke politicians and the inner city elites carry on.
Signatures on its longest-running public petitions reveal its “fightback” is a more of a boutique rebellion than a popular uprising.

The war in Ukraine is escalating and New Zealand will not escape the consequences

Retrieved on:

Venerdì, Giugno 2, 2023

The relentless missile and drone strikes on the capital Kyiv may look like a sign of strength, but appearances can be deceiving.

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The relentless missile and drone strikes on the capital Kyiv may look like a sign of strength, but appearances can be deceiving.
It is an attempt to weaken Kyiv’s air defences in advance of a much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces in Ukraine.
And the repercussions will affect the United States-China relationship, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Diplomatic absence

In effect, the absence of a possible diplomatic solution provides an added incentive for both sides to climb up the escalation ladder.
In effect, the absence of a possible diplomatic solution provides an added incentive for both sides to climb up the escalation ladder.
We want to see Russia weakened to the point where it can’t do things like invade Ukraine.

An escalation triangle

The savagery of the Russian campaign in Ukraine demands the scrutiny of an international criminal court.
Whether this happens or not, history should teach us not to expect a consolidated liberal democracy to emerge from the ashes of the Putin regime.
Read more:
Approach with caution: why NZ should be wary of buying into the AUKUS security pact

NZ and the ANZAC alliance

In recent years, China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has made clear that China’s “national rejuvenation” cannot be achieved without “reunification” with Taiwan.
Since 2020, New Zealand’s sole alliance partner Australia has borne the brunt of a coercive economic and diplomatic sanctions policy initiated by China.
Read more:
As Australia signs up for nuclear subs, NZ faces hard decisions over the AUKUS alliance
China then escalated tensions by signing a security agreement with the Solomon Islands in May 2022.

WEATHERHAVEN AND COMPOTECH ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO MARKET BALLISTIC PROTECTION SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONALLY

Retrieved on:

Venerdì, Maggio 26, 2023

Dachau (US Army report), ANZAC, United States Army, Partnership, ESPS, Telescopic sight

VANCOUVER, BC and BREWER, Maine, May 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Weatherhaven Global Resources Ltd. ("Weatherhaven"), one of the world's leading providers of interim infrastructure solutions, and Compotech Inc. ("Compotech"), a global leader in blast and ballistic protection have signed a partnership agreement to exclusively market Compotech's protection solutions internationally, beginning with the Canadian, NATO, ANZAC, and Saudi Arabian markets.

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VANCOUVER, BC and BREWER, Maine, May 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Weatherhaven Global Resources Ltd. ("Weatherhaven"), one of the world's leading providers of interim infrastructure solutions, and Compotech Inc. ("Compotech"), a global leader in blast and ballistic protection have signed a partnership agreement to exclusively market Compotech's protection solutions internationally, beginning with the Canadian, NATO, ANZAC, and Saudi Arabian markets.
The ESPS is a modular armor protection system developed to protect vulnerable soldiers and critical assets from blast and ballistic threats during initial deployment of military bases.
"Weatherhaven chose Compotech because we found their ballistic solution to be the most protective and highly mobile solution we have seen in the marketplace," said Ray Castelli, CEO of Weatherhaven.
ESPS is an innovative solution, composed of advanced composite armor technology, providing immediate protection to soldiers from blast and ballistic threats.

Less than illustrious: remembering the Anzacs means also not forgetting some committed war crimes

Retrieved on:

Giovedì, Aprile 20, 2023

It was observed […] that the English had slain wounded and captured German prisoners.

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It was observed […] that the English had slain wounded and captured German prisoners.
So reads a disturbing war diary entry of the Bavarian 18th Regiment from June 7 1917, quoting one Schütze (Rifleman) Jakob Eickert of the 2.
Christoffel was on his knees with hands raised when a soldier pointed a gun at him and pulled the trigger.
Both Eickert and Kennel were describing New Zealand soldiers’ actions – then, as now, war crimes.

‘It was quite common’

The British Manual of Military Law, which codified the 1907 Hague Convention on land warfare, forbade soldiers from killing or wounding an enemy who had surrendered at their own discretion.
It was quite common,” wrote another.
When Rifleman Edward Miller and his officer struck a dugout of “Fritzes”, for example, they took prisoner a solitary German.
But they took no chances with another group of Germans, one holding up a white handkerchief – they were “finished off”.

‘Officially sanctioned’

But that is only half the number the adjacent British 25th Division took prisoner.
The discrepancy suggests particularly savage fighting by the New Zealanders.
Individuals must bear responsibility for their actions, but so must their commanders.
Read more:
Anzacs behaving badly: Scott McIntyre and contested history
Campbell had discouraged taking prisoners.

Lest we forget

But knowing what happened in battle provides a more complete understanding of their experience.
Investigations into the behaviour of Australian and New Zealand troops in Afghanistan in recent decades only underline the contemporary relevance of older misdeeds.
It should also mean the military itself will work to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.

Global Naval Vessel Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Market (2022 to 2031) - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Forecasts - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on:

Giovedì, Gennaio 20, 2022

Due to their rather expensive procurement and operating costs, only a select few navies operate destroyers globally.

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Due to their rather expensive procurement and operating costs, only a select few navies operate destroyers globally.
With the global fleet age of destroyers increasing, countries around the world are investing in the modernization of their fleet with advanced equipment and in-service maintenance and overhaul plans.
Out of the total investment, approximately 1/3rd of the investment is expected toward the improvement and sustainment of its naval vessels.
Similar investments in the modernization of naval vessels are anticipated to accelerate the demand for naval vessel MRO in the region in the coming years.

Lat Am’s Claxson Expands to English; Options Classic Sci-Fi IP Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime

Retrieved on:

Mercoledì, Settembre 15, 2021

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, Sept. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Claxson Media, a production company with multimedia distribution across the United States, Latin America and Iberia, with offices in Miami, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, have secured the rights to the classic sci-fi book franchise originating from one of the genre’s Big Three: Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime. Venus Prime and iBooks are represented by Agent Alan Morell, Creative Management Partners LLC, Beverly Hills, CA.

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Venus Prime and iBooks are represented by Agent Alan Morell, Creative Management Partners LLC, Beverly Hills, CA.
The acquisition of Arthur C. Clarkes Venus Prime marks the companys first acquisition of a best-selling science fiction franchise that will lead the companys expansion to include English language production within their enterprise and content offerings.
The Arthur C. Clarkes Venus Prime novels are based on six of Sir Arthur C. Clarkes short stories published across various outlets between 1949 and 1972.
The Arthur C. Clarkes Venus Prime series of six books were subsequently written and released between 1987 and 1991 by Preuss and have sold more than a million copies worldwide.