COFFS Coast audiences have the opportunity to go on a journey into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral and adorable joeys Hope and Pala.
In “The Koalas”, these seven characters are ambassadors for all koalas facing threats to their ongoing survival.
As their stories unfold, the audience witnesses their unique characteristics and their bond with their young, and with wildlife carers.
Filmmakers Gregory Miller and Georgia Wallace-Crabbe have been sharing stories about the environment around the world for 20 years.
Since 2015 they have focused on Australia because of its many environmental issues.
They became aware that on the East Coast of Australia, where native forests meet the urban fringe, koalas are facing unprecedented challenges.
“Once we started researching that, we realised that koalas faced different issues in different areas but [they] were all under threat,” Mr Miller said.
“Everyone is waiting with baited breath for an announcement about the GKNP, which never comes, so we thought it would be good to show it (the documentary) in the Coffs Harbour area.”
It can be seen at Sawtell Cinema on Sunday, 25 May at 4pm and will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers as well as local experts Grahame Douglas from the National Parks Association, and Paula Flack from the Nambucca Valley Conservation Association.
Habitat loss has been identified as a key factor in declining koala populations.
In Victoria, where the land was cleared earlier than in other states, translocated koalas persist in plantations.
However, the filmmakers ask, what happens when the plantations are harvested? Where can the koalas go?
Despite the sombre realities, “The Koalas” embraces a spirit of hope.
It challenges the audience to become aware of wildlife, to support wildlife carers and preserve native habitat in their local areas.
According to environmentalist and former Greens leader Dr Bob Brown, “It’s a movie about survival, although I think it’s about our survival”.
“If we can’t protect the koalas, I don’t think we can protect us.”
In his review, award-winning author Tim Winton said, “As the extinction crisis and the climate emergency rage around us, this doco shows how little our governments are doing to protect Australia’s endangered and irreplaceable native mammals from business-as-usual”.
“You’ll be charmed, you’ll be dismayed, and then, I bet you’ll be as angry as hell at what’s being done to koalas in your name and in your own lifetime.
“But I hope you’ll act on that rage and be a part of the change that desperately needs to happen.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
