MDFF 2021 - Wild Things
Wild Things spends a year on the frontline with environmental activists hell bent on saving their futures from the ravages of climate change.
Interview with Director/Producer Sally Ingleton
Watch Wild Things on Vimeo on demand, DocPlay and Beamafilm
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
For much of my career I have told stories that address environmental issues be they on the degradation of coral reefs (Acid Ocean and Muddy Waters: Life and Death on the Great Barrier Reef), the importance of ancient seeds and future food security (Seed Hunter) and the critical relationship between wildlife and people (Kangaroo Mob, Possum Wars, Penguin Island, Devil Island). These films have sold around the world, won awards and been invited to numerous festivals.
Social change rarely happens unless it is driven by people. Yet increasingly the cries of those demanding action to address the climate emergency are falling on deaf ears. For many the only option is to head to the frontline and practice non-violent direct action in order to save forests, stop new coal mines and demand a safe future for their kids and grandkids. I wanted to make a film that peels away the stereotype that all protesters are ‘dole bludgers’ and instead showcase their passion. I also wanted to show that Australia has a long history of environmental action and thanks to the efforts of many past blockaders, numerous wild and sacred places have been saved for future generations.
Stylistically the film relies on the self-shot phone footage and social media posts of activists giving the film currency and an immediate gritty feel.
I hope the film will speak to people of all ages but particularly the young who fear for their future. I want them to know they have a voice and can make a difference.
This is the first time in nearly 30 years that I have made a documentary without the support of a broadcaster. Raising the finance has been challenging and I am thankful there is a resurgence in the production of feature documentaries and a growing army of private supporters who want to see films like Wild Things made.
COVID 19 is making a traditional cinema release difficult. Hence we are learning to pivot and are developing an innovative social impact outreach strategy to ensure the film finds an audience and will inspire people of all ages to stand up for the planet at this critical time.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Key Messages of the Film are:
• Our planet is under threat from global warming.
• Non - Violent Frontline action is a valid response to the lack of political leadership on climate change and environmental destruction.
• People of all ages and backgrounds are speaking up and taking action to protect the planet for future generations.
The film will inspire audiences to
• Join their local environment organisation and take climate action.
• Join the fight to prevent the logging of native forests and the building of no new coal mines.
• Share the film with their community and networks to inspire action.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script evolved as more and more people became involved in climate action during 2018-2019. The birth of the School Strike For Climate Movement was completely unthought of back in 2017 and this narrative thread became essential to include. Ultimately the film is about the important of finding your voice and speaking up about what matters.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Great feedback. The film has inspired many people to join the blockades protecting ancient rainforests and also to host community screenings to discuss climate action.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Hopefully the film will reach a wider international audience of people interested in social change.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
International sales agent, Environment or social change Film Festivals.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope the film inspires people to take action about issues they care about.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Does activism work?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm working on a project about the challenges in delivering health care to people in one of the remotest parts of the world - Australia's Arnhem Land.
Interview: July 2021
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Wild Things
Length:
1:29
Director/Producer
Sally Ingleton is one of Australia’s most experienced documentary filmmakers and has won awards across the world over the past 30 years. Her company 360 Degree Films is based in Darwin.
Looking for:
film festival directors
Facebook:
http:facebook.com/wildthingsdocumentary
Hashtags used:
#wildthings
More info: