HEART ache for the forests

A new film highlighting the threats to Western Australia’s native forests and their real value in mitigating climate change will screen at the Margaret River HEART on November 4.

Cry of the Forests was made by independent East Fremantle-based filmmaker Jane Hammond in partnership with the WA Forest Alliance.

The Margaret River screening will be the first regional screening and comes just days after the film’s premiere in Perth on November 1.

Ms Hammond said the documentary took viewers to the heart of the forests to see first-hand the threats facing these critically important ecosystems.

“Cry of the Forests was filmed in the South West with much of the vision shot in the Margaret River, Nannup, Pemberton, Manjimup, Bridgetown and Walpole areas,” she said.

“It includes footage of the rarely seen destruction happening in our forests on a daily basis and much of this was shot just minutes from Margaret River’s central business district.

“The film throws a light on the issues facing our forests and their value in storing and drawing down carbon,” Ms Hammond said.

Cry of the Forests is being brought to Margaret River by the newly formed Nannas for Native Forests, who appear in the film.

Nanna’s spokesperson Peta Goodwin said the film had a strong Margaret River focus and included many local identities.

“We are hosting the film because we are deeply concerned for the futures of our children and grandchildren.

“At this point in history we need to be looking at how we bring down carbon emissions and protect our forests for climate and water. The time to act is now,” Ms Goodwin said.

WA Forest Alliance campaign director Jess Beckerling said the film was a wake-up call for all West Australians.

“At this point in history we urgently need to be protecting our forests for climate and for life. This is a film that every Western Australian should see,” Ms Beckerling said.

The film was made on Bibbulmun Country with the financial support of Documentary Australia Foundation.

Tickets to the screening are now on sale through the Margaret River HEART website.

The special event starts at 7pm on Wednesday November 4 and will include a question and answer session with the filmmaker, WAFA spokespeople and local characters who appear in the documentary. Doors and bar open at 6pm.

Further information: Filmmaker – Jane Hammond | 0403 926 467; Nannas for Native Forests – Peta Goodwin | 9757 2704; WAFA – Jess Beckerling | 0488 777 592