Pip Starr, Documentary Filmmaker And Activist Dies But Leaves Last Words And Videos

By Katie Halper
February 4, 2008
2 comments
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dxanOOnzYM [/youtube]Pip Starr, the documentary filmmaker, activist, and nurse committed suicide late last month. Although barely noticed by the media, his death was picked up by blogs and by the San Francisco Bay Area Indymedia, which is where I came across the news. Pip described himself as someone
making documentary films in and about various activist communities for over 10 years. Most doco's are about human and environmental issues of local, national and international significance. I believe documentary should be beautiful and entertaining as well as emotionally and intellectually stimulating. I have always been inspired by the work of activists and others who have a long term vision for the world that is about peace and real sustainability. I aim to make films that are beautiful, entertaining and inspiring.
And Pip certainly achieved his aim, making documentaries about several social action movements including the anti-nuclear, climate change, globalization, and indigenous movements around the world, focusing on Australia and the Pacific. Check out his film Atomic Foot Print above.Learn more about the organizations Pip worked with and check out Friends of the Earth and Engage Media. Also watch Pip's movies on YouTube and visit Pip's website. And support independent media like the San Francisco Bay Area Indymedia,

Comments

2
posted on Jan 24, 2009
wrote this poem. when i first heard that starr'd died. was living at irene, where indymedia's office had been. didn't post it nowhere then. afta went to funeral, well, couldn't. but now, unexpectedly ended up making docos and, thinking its important to share more than just our eyes: make o bento for the old soul to go home fuck bro all i got for you this poem never too close always soldered so fucking solid made art to act face facts fight back eyes to catch the slavers lash & now you ash thorn in the crown defender of sacred ground of you we’re proud rough star come down mechanical black skin you earnt outback kin with all activists opening up cracks. but now our country attacked dozer tracks smash us back & now we lack one more long the track thorn in the crown hurts your brow wore you down burden in suicide drowned melbournes my home ground grown up in protest crowds when pip was catching sound npa a silent clown over rooftops of councils with lense moon scented in the dirt of sweatshop irene he sewn seeds for dissenters in image hooked them fishes and let them out for the billions look after our comrades this ain’t a fucking tirade just lets give back up the same what he gave us soldiers and artists in solidarity put your hands up make o bento for the old soul to go home fuck bro all i got for you this poem
posted on Feb 4, 2008
Let's make sure the essence of this great man lives on! Activists must be heard so those documenting them are essential. I wrote this poem for my mother-in-law but it fits here also. My sympathy to all his friends and family. Life's Essence Life with caressings, Its pains and its blessings. Comes to an end as it must. Death follows life, Ending all strife. Peace follows death, we can trust. Life without ending, Would require much mending. Death's wish is to join, not sever. All questions are solved. Our maker resolved. Life's essence then goes on forever. Love Lora Bruncke