Locally-made film draws great acclaim

The premiere of locally made film Breathing Life into Boodja played before a sell-out crowd on Tuesday night at the Albany Entertainment Centre.

Breathing Life into Boodja brought together examples of how people from different walks of life across the Great Southern were working together to tackle biodiversity concerns and climate crisis.

The film celebrated the enduring strength of Noongar culture and highlights the efforts of environmentalists, farmers, scientists, and local groups working in the central zone of Gondwana Link — an Albany-based conservation group.

Local film maker Frank Rijavec and production manager Margaret Robertson were also involved in the project.

Gondwana Link chief executive Keith Bradby said it was a huge effort, involving more than 120 contributions and more than 50 hours of filming.

“A remarkably diverse mixture of actions and perspectives has been distilled into this powerful story of positive change,” he said.

“Our local community are exercising their power to make major changes to how we live and work in this globally recognised biodiversity hotspot, so we’re delighted to be able to highlight these achievements.”

Mr Bradby gave recognition to Noongar elders, and said their leadership and cultural values were a strong feature of the film.

“Western society tends to see the world as made up of separate bits — the economy, the environment, society, spiritual values and so on — but the wisdom of our Noongar elders has been invaluable in helping all of us see the world of connections that draws these elements together.”