A new free community film festival, focussing on sustainability, and themes to educate and build resilience in our community, kicks off at Bowral's Empire Cinema on Wednesday 31 January at 6pm.
The 'Earth Flix: Cinema 4 Change' launch event will offer a special screening of the powerful documentary, "Australia Burns: Silence of the Land" - in commemoration of the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires.
The event is also part of Council's 'Sustainable Us' program, with its commitment to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
WSC's Environment and Sustainability Officer, Morwenna Zabaks, says the films will no doubt resonate with many residents, offering messages of hope to build resilience, assist with recovery and better plan for the future.
"The doco takes viewers on a poignant journey through various locations, including our community, and others impacted by the landmark event in Australian history," said Morwenna.
"The film offers an inspirational perspective on human resilience in the face of crisis, shedding light on the true cost to the human spirit, wildlife, and the land during the unprecedented devastation of the bushfires," she added.
The event is also part of Council's 'Sustainable Us' program, with its commitment to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
There will also be in-depth discussion with guest speakers significant to the bushfires and the production of the film, including those impacted and local Indigenous leaders.
'Earth Flix' aims to create a space for reflection, understanding, and unity. It received grant funding from the Australian Government.
A second film will also been screened on the night. The short documentary, Gibbergunyah Reserve Cultural Burn, filmed on Gundungurra land will be offered to the public for the first time. It captures a culturally significant event and features members of the local Aboriginal Community.
Morwenna says the short film delves into the traditional land management techniques of cultural burning and the resulting benefits on biodiversity and reduction in fuel loads.
"This is an insightful short film that provides a unique perspective on the historical and cultural context of Aboriginal land management and the connection to country that is so important for the health and wellbeing of first nations people," she said.
This project has been jointly funded by the Australian Government and the NSW Government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
'Earth Flix: Cinema 4 Change' Film Festival
Date and Time: Wednesday, January 31, 6:00 PM with FREE admission
Venue: Empire Cinema, Bowral
Bookings: Australia Burns: Silence of the land | Wingecarribee Shire Council (nsw.gov.au)
