Voices for the Martuwarra (2020)

Voices for the Martuwarra is a collaborative documentary featuring interviews with members of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council (MFRC), scientists, environmentalists, and researchers. Through breathtaking visuals of the Martuwarra, Fitzroy River, and engaging interviews with multiple stakeholders, the film traces the creation of the MFR Council, which was established in 2018 to give a political voice to Traditional Owners of the Fitzroy River Region amidst extensive development plans earmarked for the Kimberley in the mining and agricultural sectors. Since its inception the MFR Council has attracted the attention of leading scientists and researchers, both in Australia and internationally, through its ability to bring together the majority of Traditional Owner groups from the region, and spearheading collaborative, cutting-edge research into various domains: First Law, culture, science, history, economy and development. The MFR Council believes rivers are the lifeblood of our Nation, and is focused on protecting their sacred National Heritage Listed Fitzroy River's Right To Life from proposed invasive developments. Giving voice to many Kimberley Traditional Owners, the film depicts the profound and complex inter-relatedness between culture, Country, Living Waters and people. As a call for action, it also reminds audiences of the reasons why, in the age of the Anthropocene and Climate Emergency, it is more important than ever to listen to Indigenous voices, as they hold solutions for the future of humanity and of our planet.