ANTARCTICA: The Giant Awakens

Join us for an inspiring evening as the Sydney Climate Crew proudly presents a special screening of Antarctica: The Giant Awakens by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Liz Courtney, alongside the powerful short film Rising UP by Kal Glanzinng—co-creator of Blue Minds, member of the World Ocean Day Advisory Council, and Independent Sutherland Shire Councilor. This event shines a spotlight on the vital work of scientists in Antarctica, the challenges posed by the rapidly changing ice sheet, and the critical opportunities for young people to engage in science, advocacy, and community-driven climate initiatives. Despite Antarctica’s distance from the tropical landscapes of Australia, Oceania, and Asia, its melting ice holds profound implications for these regions and the world. Don’t miss this chance to support the voice of the next generation and explore how we can all be part of the solution.

The documentary follows a team of young women scientists on a mission to Antarctica, led by Prof Benjamin Horton, the Director from the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

Accompanied by renowned Australian Director of Photography Michael Dillon AM, the team endeavours to conduct innovative scientific research, providing critical insights into the pace of Antarctica's rapid melt and its implications for the region and around the globe.

Antarctica, nearly twice the size of Australia, holds 75% of the world's fresh water. However, the Antarctic ice sheet, perched on a bedrock base, is now under threat as colossal ice cliffs surrounding the West Antarctic coastline melt and collapse due to rising temperatures in the Southern Ocean, surpassing previous predictive models.

Prof Horton emphasizes the urgency of understanding the mechanisms driving the melting glaciers, their impact on ocean circulation and sea level rise, and the importance of partnerships and teamwork in driving scientific discoveries and solutions.

Beautiful drone footage, captivating wildlife, and a frozen land of ice and beauty set an alluring backdrop to one of the world's hidden climate emergencies and pose the question - Is Antarctica Waking Up? 

Although the answer is challenging, Liz says that the message of the film is ultimately one of hope - ‘through the voices of the younger generation that are in this film - they talk about the fact that we need action. Without action, there is no hope, and without hope, there is no action - so these two things have to work together, and how we can all be part of the solution’ Liz Courtney.

Join us for an exclusive screening of the breathtaking 2023 documentary Antarctica—The Giant Awakens, featuring stunning drone footage. Through Rising UP, you can hear the voices of our next generations and learn about a new Future Generations project in development for with SYD Climate Action Crew. 

Thank you for supporting SYD Climate Action Crew and our collective passion to bring more youth to the table and share their voices around climate change and sustainable solutions.

A Q&A session will follow with both film directors, Liz Courtney and Kal Glanzning.

Included in the ticket.
- Choice of popcorn or ice cream + bottle of water.

Note there will be a dedicated bar for this screening with 'Happy Hour' prices ($9). Please join our networking event starting at 5.30pm.
The films and introduction will start at 6pm sharp.