2:00PM SUNDAY 16 JUNE | World Premiere
Following the screening filmmakers Georgia Wallace-Crabbe and Gregory Miller will be in discussion and Q&A with wildlife advocate, Jess Roberston and Georgie Purcell representing the Animal Justice Party. Moderated by Dr Sophie Bickford, Biolinks Alliance.
In 2022 the Australian government listed the koala as endangered. After 25 million years’ survival, how can this much-loved, iconic marsupial be at risk of extinction in the wild? Filmed on Australia’s east coast and in Ballarat, with expert commentary throughout, The Koalas investigates the impact of habitat loss and other mounting threats that necessitate urgent action.
The Koalas also takes audiences on a journey into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters such as Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral, and the adorable joeys Hope and Pala. As these stories unfold, we witness the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young, and their interactions with dedicated wildlife carers. These seven emerge as ambassadors for all koalas facing threats to their survival.
WORLD PREMIERE
CREDITS
Directors
Georgia Wallace-Crabbe & Gregory Miller
Producer
Gregory Miller & Georgia Wallace-Crabbe
Duration
90 mins
Through their production company Film Projects, Gregory and Georgia, make documentaries for Australian and international audiences, many with environmentally themes.
Co-Director/ Co-Producer
Georgia Wallace-Crabbe
Georgia directed the 2009 documentary New Beijing-Reinventing a City-about the rapid redevelopment of Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, that screened at festivals worldwide, and the 5-channel immersive video -The Earth and the Elements (2016)-produced for a Doctorate of Creative Arts at Wollongong Uni. She also produced the award-winning hybrid doco, Jabe Babe: A Heightened Life (2005) by Janet Merewether.
Co-Director/ Co-Producer
Gregory Miller
Gregory has produced and directed many documentaries and series including: Cultivating Murder (2018)- about the 2014 murder of environment officer Glen Turner and the wind-back of NSW environment protection laws; a 2-part docu-drama series Breaker Morant: The Retrial (2013); The Tipping Points (2012); Cool School Antarctica (2010)- and SBS ob doc series Angels in New York (2008). In 2003 he did an Irish coproduction- Besieged-The Ned Kelly Story.
Jess Robertson
A dedicated wildlife rescuer and carer from Ballarat, Jess has tirelessly championed the cause of protecting local koalas from further decline. With over 20 years of experience in animal advocacy, she emerged as a leading force in the Save Gordon Koalas campaign. In partnership with Gordon Wildlife Alliance, Jess cultivated a widespread network of advocates across the state, spearheading efforts to safeguard a vulnerable koala population in Gordon, Victoria. Her unwavering commitment and leadership have not only raised significant public awareness about the plight of Ballarat koalas but has also positioned her as a strong voice for their protection and conservation.
Georgie Purcell
Georgie Purcell is a Member of the Victorian Parliament Legislative Council, proudly representing the Animal Justice Party in Northern Victoria.
Some of Georgie’s key priorities include wildlife protection, improving animal protection laws and vet care access, fighting to end injustices within horse and greyhound racing, banning recreational duck shooting, and supporting innovative plant-based agricultural developments.
Here to make a difference for animals, people and planet, Georgie ran for Parliament as she felt politics was not diverse enough, missing the voices of young women, including those with more colourful backgrounds.
Sophie Bickford
Dr Sophie Bickford trained as an ecologist, but is now a proud generalist working to connect the central Victorian community with each other and with the science, to reweave the natural fabric of larger landscapes – so species like the Koala can once again move safely from habitat to habitat.
As the Executive Director of Biolinks Alliance she works with a small but brilliant team and a vast conservation community between the Grampians and the Victorian Alps – facilitating opportunities to convene to share know-how and tap into expert knowledge around how we can together repair damaged landscapes and prepare them for a changing climate.
The Festival at a glance
Friday 14 June
Theatre Royal
5:00pm
Music from Brazazul
a beautiful moment
Ag Fab: From Paddock to Catwalk
7:30pm
Acknowledgement of Country
8:00pm
WINHANGANHA and Q&A
9:30pm
Drinks at Love Shack
Saturday 15 June
Theatre Royal
11:00am
Obsessed with Light
2:00pm
Starring Jerry as Himself
5:00pm
LOCALS
8:00pm
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande
9:30pm
Party with The Afrobiotics at Theatre Royal
Sunday 16 June
Theatre Royal
11:00am
The Gullspång Miracle
2:00pm
The Koalas and Q&A
5:00pm
Apolonia, Apolonia
8:00pm
The Road to Patagonia
9:30pm
Drinks at Love Shack
FILMS & GAMES IN THE YURT
On the Western Reserve
SATURDAY 15 June
11:30am
Kids on the Silk Road: Girl away from home {film} and The Monkey King {film}
1:00pm
Werewolves {game}
4:00pm
a beautiful moment {film}
7:00pm
Werewolves {game}
SUNDAY 16 June
11:30am
Kids on the Silk Road: Bird Boy {film} and Girl with goals {film}
1:00pm
Werewolves {game}
4:00pm
Ag Fab: From Paddock to Catwalk {film}
5:00pm
Werewolves {game}