by FilmInk Staff
The natural and cultural values of the Kimberley’s Martuwarra Fitzroy River will be showcased to a Melbourne audience tomorrow, when powerful nature documentary Lifeblood premieres at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
Lifeblood will premiere at Cinema Nova in Carlton on Thursday as part of the month-long film festival and will highlight the threats facing the Martuwarra and the need to protect the National Heritage listed river.
Narrated by Bunuba Traditional Owner Manymiya ‘Obby’ Bedford, the documentary journeys the length of the 733-kilometre Martuwarra, showcasing the extremes of nature in the Kimberley and its everchanging seasons that species must adapt to survive in.
Ms Bedford said she was excited to share the Martuwarra with a Melbourne audience.
“In the Kimberley, water feeds everything, sustaining all the plants, animals and people,” she said.
“Personally, the Martuwarra has formed my identity, my peace, my home, my language. By sharing Lifeblood – and the story of this river – with audiences across Australia, more people can understand why we must leave it thriving and untouched.”
The 50-minute film features footage of rare wildlife — including the critically endangered freshwater sawfish.
The Kimberley – Like Nowhere Else campaign coordinator Lisa Thomas said Melbourne audiences would experience one of the world’s healthiest, free-flowing rivers systems as it’s never been seen before on film.
“We’re so excited to bring Lifeblood to Melbourne and grateful to have been selected by Melbourne Documentary Film Festival to show this important film,” Ms Thomas said.
“The Martuwarra Fitzroy River is not only an iconic river in WA, but it is renowned and loved by people across Australia and the world, so to be able to come and share this film with a Melbourne audience is exciting.
“We hope this documentary will inspire people to learn more about the Martuwarra and the incredible biodiversity and culture it supports, and why long-term and binding protection from large-scale water extraction is needed to protect the river.”
Lifeblood will screen at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival at Cinema Nova in Carlton on July 17. Tickets can be purchased: https://linktr.ee/protectthefitzroy
Photo by Lewis Barnett
