©Remi Benali
I am thrilled to let you all know that one of Remi’s photographs will be in the January 9th edition of The New Yorker. The photograph illustrates “Reversal of Fortune,” an article by Patrick Radden Keefe concerning the lengthy struggle of the Ecuadorian people to hold Chevron financially responsible for the pollution created during the company’s twenty-year drilling process (under Texaco at the time) in the country. It is quite simply, the largest environmental suit ever and a case of David versus Goliath if ever there was one. Those of you that read the New Yorker will know that the use of photography in the magazine is fairly recent and remains rare so we are doubly pleased that Remi’s photograph was chosen for an issue that is dear to our hearts.
Remi first captured the story while on assignment for Vanity Fair magazine. His photographs accompanied the article “Jungle Law” by William Langewiesche in 2007. Remi’s experience while shooting in the midst of the Ecuadorian rain forest was both challenging and striking as he captured some of the 900 oil waste pits left behind as well as portraying those suffering from cancer (the risk of death by the disease is up to thirty times in the region than elsewhere). For further of his photographs on the subject, please see his website but again, as these photographs are copyrighted, I ask that they not be borrowed or pinned.
©Remi Benali
UPDATE: Today, in a surprising turn of events, the Ecuadorian appeals court has upheld its condemnation of Chevron, holding them accountable for $8.6 Billion in damages. Additionally, if the company does not publicly apologize to the Ecuadorian public, the fine will be doubled to nearly $18 Billion.
Such a horrid story, but what an amazing update! It must have been such a moving experience for Remi to be there & capture.
~ Clare x
what a tragic story.
beautiful photo indeed
The New Yorker was sitting right beside me. Quite an achievement to have a page and 2/3rds! And for a good cause.
It is true Karin but it is a real step forward nonetheless. Hopefully, eventually, Chevron will concede…
Yay! I so understand as I am thiiis close to ordering a subscription myself. The New Yorker was such a huge influence on me while a young adult in Manhattan. I learned so much from reading it every week!
Running out for a copy now!!!!!!!!GREAT magazine.No wonder they picked a GREAT photographer…………..HOW EXCITING!
Hi Heather,
very pleased for Remi! Congratulation! I know that The New Yorker is a very good magazine which I would love to read regularly, unfortunately cannot get it here.
Yes, I heard as well yesterday in the News about Chevron. But I also heard that they did not accepted the Equador verdict and that the company will bring the case to an American court which means that it will probably take years until a final settlement or agreement or any payment to these poor people. A mess! But I'll keep up my hope for a better world!
Amicalement,
karin
Hello everyone! Remi is very touched by your support and your sensibility towards environmental issues. As always, moi aussi.
Wow – congratulations, Remi!! A wonderful picture for a wonderful cause with a happy resolution – hooray! So proud of my sister and my not-really-but-pretty-much brother-in-law! : )
Wow, such an impressive achievement. How proud you must be. His images are clearly a compelling party of the story, and bringing home the extent of the damage in with a weight that words alone can't convey. Congratulations to you both!