MUMBAI: A environmental documentary by a University of Otago student has been selected to screen at the London International Documentary Festival due 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. 

It is said that South Wairarapa district councillor and farmer Julie Riddell threatened defamation proceedings against Muir and the Paramount Theatre in Wellington if the film was shown. The film was screened regardless, with Mr Muir dismissing the legal threats as "a bullying tactic meant to scare me and the theatre into withdrawing the screening".