This set piece is called the Lars Homestead, and Star Wars fans across the galaxy were shocked to hear that it had fallen into disrepair.
Out of nowhere, a band of geeks appeared, hell bent on saving it from certain doom, with the interwebs lending a monetary hand via the Save The Lars Homestead Campaign.
What will happen to this iconic set piece? Who donated money to help keep this structure looking good? And how do the residents of Tunisia feel about this geek preservation campaign?
Find out when the guys behind the project put out a book and DVD, with all the profits going to the preservation of the Homestead, right? *wink*
Link
As it is in the open and located on a salt flat it will slowly fall into disrepair again. Hopefully this repair job will last more than the 12 years the original set lasted.
Who donated money to help keep this structure looking good?
Over 400 people did, myself included, thanks to a facebook campaign. Listed here:
www.markdermul.be/savelars/crew.html
And how do the residents of Tunisia feel about this geek preservation campaign?
Well I can't speak for the population of Tunisia but the Government's Tourism Office (ONTT) gave it the thumbs up (in fact it could not have happened without their permission) and even visited the location during the restoration.
Further fundraising will go towards maintenance of the site by a local firm of builders, and towards Tunisian childrens charities.