OFF and NPA Southern Sydney Branch are co-sponsoring this hard-hitting film about the survival of our Australian icon, the Koala.
On the East Coast of Australia, where ancient forests meet the urban fringe, koalas are facing unprecedented challenges. The Koalas sheds light on a disturbing truth: the very entities entrusted with safeguarding our natural treasures are contributing to the demise of these emblematic creatures.
The Koalas takes audiences on a journey into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters – Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral and adorable joeys Hope and Pala. As these stories unfold we witness the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young, and the wildlife carers they come into contact with. These seven emerge as ambassadors for all koalas facing threats to their ongoing survival.
In southwest Sydney, a key koala colony lies in the path of a proposed housing development. In Victoria, where the land was cleared earlier than in other states, translocated koalas persist in plantations, but what happens when the plantations are harvested? Where can the koalas go?
As the climate changes, wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events are increasingly wreaking havoc on wildlife, their habitat as well as on human infrastructure. After surviving for 25 million years on the Australian continent, can the iconic marsupial be at risk of extinction in the wild? The film celebrates resilience in the face of the challenges and invites audiences to become catalysts for change.
Why is the koala facing extinction when governments are announcing new strategies to protect them? Scientists identify the main culprit behind the alarming drop in koala populations is habitat loss. How is the destruction of habitat being allowed to escalate at unprecedented rates? Are environment laws so weak that they can’t protect threatened species?
Despite the sombre realities, The Koalas embraces a spirit of hope. With high-production values, observational filming and insights from those on the frontline of wildlife rescue and ecology,
Note that this film is dedicated to long-time Koala advocate and OFF member, Sharyn Cullis
If you want to know more and support this important project, please come and see this movie in the comfort of the Civic Theatre at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre on Thursday 21st November at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased via Humanitix here. Thoroughly recommended.
Readers are reminded that the producers of this movie gave a talk to OFF in August 2022 on the making of this film. The video of this talk is available for viewing on OFF’s YouTube channel here.