The special Queensland premiere screening of multi award-winning nature documentary The Message of the Lyrebird is set to be held at Maleny next month.
Lyrebirds hold the history of the forest in their song, but are they now singing the sad story of human encroachment?
This is the question the multi-award-winning feature film explores.
The film showcases the fact the lyrebird does what no other bird in the world does, it can mimic anything it hears.
Culturally significant to many First Nations people, the famed imitator has fooled bushwalkers and bird walkers alike with its incredible and nearly impossible vocal skills.
Balangara Director/producer Mark B Pearce said the film is a thought-provoking work that explores themes around our history and human impact on nature.
“It also calls the community to unite around our local natural habitats,” Mr Peace said.
“It is a film about the relationship between people and birds, set in a natural wonderland where an exquisite forest faery has been performing his astonishing song and dance routines for millions of years.
“It is a timeless journey of self-reflection and connection, and a call to remember to live without destroying the things we love.”
The community is invited to join Barung Landcare and Mr Pearce for a special fundraising screening and community conversation on Thursday, October 20, in Maleny.
Journeying the east coast of Australia, the documentary follows the stories of different people and communities who are researching and co-existing with wildlife, looking at ways to protect these vital ecosystems so that the lyrebird and other Australian wildlife can continue their journey.
Mr Peace said addressing the overwhelming threats to biodiversity that we face today, means embracing more sustainable land management practices, protecting and regenerating our native forests and creating more wildlife-friendly spaces across our region.
Barung Landcare’s Megan Lee said at times people could get overwhelmed by the state of the environment.
“It can be hard to know what you can do to make a genuine difference,” Ms Lee said.
On the night of the screening, the audience will hear from representatives of local groups and organisations who are making a difference across the Hinterland.
People will have an opportunity to learn more about how they can be involved in the recovery and protection of the environment, such as joining the Barung Lancare Rainforest Resilience and Gardens for Wildlife programs.
Mr Peace said he had been fortunate to travel along the east coast of Australia in search of stories, to create this film.
“Despite the challenges the Australian environment faces, there are many inspiring people doing great things to restore knowledge, reconnect people to the naturaL world, and are helping to make a difference, Mr Peace said.
“There is still a lot of hope.
“Through these kinds of screenings, we are able to bring like-minded people together and explore ways we can take action. We hope this evening empowers local people to do something within their means.”
The event will also raise funds to support local environmental projects that will help increase habitat for wildlife and improve the quality of our environment.
Audience members can win a signed copy of the photographic companion guide to the film, which examines the lyrebird’s unique abilities and sophisticated song and dance routines, which date back to the Early Miocene epoch, 18 million years ago.
The Message of the Lyrebird will screen at Maleny Community Centre at 23 Maple St, Maleny at 6-8pm on Thursday, October 20.
Doors and bar will open at 5.30pm. Cost: $20 Adults, $10 Under 18 yrs
To book call Barung Landcare on 07 5494 3151 or visit the Barung Landcare website
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