Lyrebird receives dual awards at IndeFEST
La Jolla, California
United States
Balangara Films has won two prestigious Awards of Merit from the IndieFEST Film Awards.
The awards for Nature/Environment/Wildlife as well as Viewer Impact were given for the inspirational nature documentary, The Message of the Lyrebird, which was created to bring about contemplation and connection with the wisdom of wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Message of the Lyrebird features spectacular footage from cinematographer Nick Hayward, who tracks down a lyrebird keeper, a scientist, a lyrebird sound recordist, a study group, an activist and a Knowledge-Holder descended from the People of the Lyrebird to help the audience understand not only the lyrebird’s sophisticated artwork, but what its message may be for humanity.
The investigative style narrative discusses nature’s intelligence and our response to that natural wisdom. Behavioural Ecologist Dr Anastasia Dalziell delves into the sophisticated life and artistic creations of the lyrebird, while other characters emphasise the profound importance of these birds across a broad range of human cultural and philosophical domains. Rather than dwelling on death and destruction of the habitat, this natural history/mystery digs its claws into inspiring themes surrounding creature co-existence and the continuation of life.
Production still: Behavioural Ecologist Dr Anastasia Dalziell at her Australian National University desk, studying the sounds of Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae
The IndieFEST Film Awards, now in its 13th year, recognises film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries were judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry. Information about the IndieFEST and a list of recent winners can be found at www.theindiefest.com.
Pictured above, bottom row: D’harawal Songman Matthew Doyle as Wiritjiribin, The First Lyrebird