DOP film generates interest in island becoming World Heritage site

Newbury, UK - 8th Septemer 2009: Distant Object Productions has received a positive reply from UNESCO in response to the film Rock Music Rock Art with the hope that progress will be made to obtain heritage status for Lolwe Island, featured in the film.

So little is known about the rock gongs and rock art of Lolwe island, even within Uganda itself. Local ignorance has meant some of the rock art has actually been obscured by graffitti. Fearful that the ancient paintings and gongs might suffer further damage, we were concerned that something should be done to help conserve this unique and elaborate prehistoric site.

September brought us the first positive replies from our correspondance with H E Elizabeth Paula Napeyok - Permanent delegate of Uganda to UNESCO. 'Rock Music Rock Art' has inspired Elizabeth to help make Lolwe island a national/world heritage. See her first responses below:

"Ms. Kingdon,Your mail has just come to my attention and I am so excited about the gongs especially when I have just returned from the 33rd World Heritage Conference in Sevilla in Spain where I witnessed the seriousness of the world in protecting the natural heritage. Thank you very much for this information. This gives us (Uganda) an opportunity to at least save and preserve our natural heritage where we have plenty to offer our people and the rest of the world. I would love to have a copy of the film. Thank you for your concern and for finding me."

"Thank you very much for the DVD. It is amazing what nature can offer us. I have watched it again and again. I have never heard of these Rocks. They are so beautiful. You have given us our heritage back. Thank you."

"... I will get back to you as soon as I have something tangible to report. Initially, I needed four copies in order to bring the same to the attention of the relevant ministries: (Culture, Trade/Tourism, Education and Foreign Affairs)."

Elizabeth Paula Napeyok (Ambassador/Permanent Delegate of Uganda to UNESCO)