Koalas documentary premieres in Lismore

A NEW documentary that follows the journey of koalas will premiere in Lismore this Saturday, August 3 at Star Court Theatre.

“The Koalas” follows the lives of koalas Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral, and their challenges as their worlds collide with modernity.

Filmmaker Dr. Georgia Wallace-Crabbe expressed her sadness over the plight of koalas across the country.

Her new documentary, directed by Gregory Miller, weaves together stories of wildlife carers, scientists, and ecologists, questioning whether Australia can save this iconic species.

“We started making the film about a colony of koalas in southwest Sydney that were being threatened by land clearing for development,” Dr. Wallace-Crabbe said.

Miller said they soon realised that land clearing was a pervasive issue, affecting koalas up and down the east coast and around the country.

“The story broadened as we followed different characters across various regions.”

The documentary questions whether existing urban growth strategies can coexist with efforts to preserve wild koalas and explores how housing developments can be more sustainable.

Author and environmental campaigner Tim Winton described the documentary as an emotional rollercoaster.

“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,” Winton said.

“But I hope you’ll act on that rage and be a part of the change that desperately needs to happen.”

The film premieres in Lismore at Star Court Theatre on Saturday, August 3 at 3 pm.

The full schedule can be viewed at thekoalasfilm.com.