Award-winning film showing in Kangaroo Valley
If you are wanting to watch an awe-inspiring bird film, while supporting a good old-fashioned community fundraiser, then the place to be is the Upper Kangaroo River Hall!
On 10 September, Upper Kangaroo Valley Landcare Group (UKVLG) will present The Message of the Lyrebird, an internationally acclaimed Aussie feature documentary, which has picked up awards in the United States, India, Finland, and Costa Rica. Recently the film won first place at the 37th Annual Animal Behaviour Society Film Festival. Lyrebirds hold the history of the forest in their song, but are they now singing the sad story of human encroachment?
The Message of the Lyrebird (Official Trailer) can be viewed by clicking this link (or copying into your preferred search engine)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKEXl4kILyI.
No other bird on the planet can do what the lyrebird can do. For thousands of years, the famed mimic has fooled, tricked and misdirected forest workers, bushwalkers and campers with the seemingly impossible skill of mimicking the sounds of anything it hears. “The film is about the relationship between people, the birds and an exquisite forest fairy who has been performing song and dance routines for millions of years. A timeless odyssey of self-reflection and a call to remember to live without destroying the things we love”, producer Mark Pearce said.
In the documentary, a scientist, a lyrebird keeper, a sound-recordist, a study group, an activist, and a Knowledge-Holder take viewers on a magical journey through Australia’s native forests to help understand the sophistication and complex artistry of the lyrebird, leading humanity to a deeper understanding of our natural world.
As community comes ‘back to roost’, where the air is fresh and the birds keep chirping, UKVLG Secretary, Stephen Wilson, says this inspiring wildlife movie couldn’t be more timely. “People in our community enjoy a local event to unite again after living through a confluence of crises this and previous years” ,Stephen said. “It was the lyrebird who helped give us hope then and once again now it’s the lyrebird bringing community together in 2022.
Creative producer of The Message of the Lyrebird, Mark Pearce, brings an immersive and naturalistic vision to the screen. The documentary aligns itself with wildlife ‘indie cinema’ as opposed to a traditional wildlife film. “Many traditional wildlife and environmental film scripts focus their dialogue on what is ‘not so well’ with the natural world”, Pearce stated. “Although this has been a successful engagement strategy with audiences, the collective mind absorbs all that fear and guilt coming off the screen.
“For more than a decade, Balangara Films has created stories to inspire people to re-look at their urban and wild environments, which includes the theme of humans and animals existing with one another. I find that the traditional form of a wildlife film, where human culture is devoid of the landscapes, continue the myth that wild places are simply just for wildlife. This film changes-up the old paradigm.”.
The feature film and 180-page hardcover companion book have raised much-needed funds for land and wildlife groups at ’host screening’ events, where Lyrebird is bringing community back together again.
“It’s very cool to contribute directly to land and wildlife organisations. This extends to groups like those in Kangraoo Valley and Upper Kangaroo Valley, who work tirelessly with flora and fauna on the land to co-exist in harmony”, Pearce concluded.
Kangaroo Valley will now join in the amazement and learnings of The Message of the Lyrebird with funds raised from the event going directly to Upper Kangaroo Valley Landcare Group.
UKVLG are proud to present this amazing film, offering a close-up experience with the elusive lyrebird. Pre film snacks will be available to accompany filmgoers’ own drinks of choice. One fortunate filmgoer will win the door prize of the film’s hardcover companion book.
The Message of the Lyrebird
Saturday 10 September at 5.30pm.
Upper Kangaroo River Community Hall
Tickets: $15
Running time: 80 minutes
Doors open at 5pm.
Light snacks will be available before the film
BYO refreshments (and glasses) to enjoy during the film
Book tickets: $15 entry (available via Humanitix):
https://events.humanitix.com/the-message-of-the-lyrebird-crm7hmr3.
Stephen Wilson (UKVLG) and Mark Pearce (Producer)
