Implicit in the land restoration film title of 'Rediscovering the country' is that the land was once well understood, respected and cared for, and that we need to find a way back to this state of being.  A survey by the Christensen Fund, a major US philanthropic trust, found that 80% of the world's most biodiverse regions were owned and managed by Indigenous peoples.  As animists, Indigenous people have deep knowledge about their landscape and a spiritual connection with all the plants, animals and places in it. We – like them –  will have to develop a greater knowledge of and stronger connection to everything in our landscape if we are ever to become custodians – like they once were throughout Australia. 

In north east Arnhem Land, the Yolngu people still live on their land, acting as custodians for their country. A senior Indigenous ranger Yumutjin Wunungmurra (pictured), said when I interviewed him a couple of weeks ago:  “I learnt by listening and watching. My father never stopped singing to the country, calling up places and animals. I’m still singing his songs. The land and everything in it speaks to us. We know all their names and stories. When the wind blows a certain way, we know where the fish will be."

Searching for words to explain his connection to country, Yumutjin turned and struck the tree behind him with passion,  exclaiming: "This tree is my mother!"

Now that's what I call connected to country!

Film maker Stephen Oakes (on left) and producer/director Ian Penna (right) say that the film title is taking on a personal aspect for them. In tracking down groups and landholders involved in landscape restoration, they too have gone on a journey 'rediscovering the country.' The film is exploring how we newcomers can – like the first Australians – become custodians,  living lightly off the land while caring for country. 

"The further our journey takes us, the less certain we become that there is only one road  to take," says Ian.

Fund raising is now complete with almost $30,000 banked from philanthropic donors and crowd sourcing.

The 30 minute fim is due for completion in May, with a launch planned in June at the Melbourne Museum, which is to be hosted by major donor, the Norman Wettenhall Foundation.

BRT's analogue forestry film promo has been uploaded to YouTube.  To view the promo, go to the Land Restoration Film page on this website.

We have almost half the budget confirmed. We're looking for another $15-20,000.

If you're interested, send us a message via Contact Us.