Film & Panel Discussion - "Antarctica: The Giant Awakens"

FILM RELEASE OF THE NEW FEATURE DOCUMENTARY - "ANTARCTICA: THE GIANT AWAKENS"

The event will include an introduction by the film director Liz Courtney, recent winner of Women Changing the World awards in the UK, followed by a Q & A session after the film with leading climate scientists Professor Lesley Hughes, youth ambassador for Oceans, Kal Glanzing, and Issy Philipps, Climate Reporter for Pedestrian TV. 

Together we will unpack questions around the impact of Antarctica on sea level rise this century and the domino effect our changing climate system will have on Australia’s agriculture industry, food and water security, oceans and life for future generations.

ABOUT THE FILM

In a groundbreaking documentary titled "Antarctica – The Giant Awakens," acclaimed Australian filmmaker Liz Courtney sheds light on the looming threat of sea level rise. Despite Antarctica's geographical distance from the tropical landscapes of Australia, Oceania, and Asia, the rapidly changing Antarctic ice sheet presents a significant danger to these regions, with potential global implications.

Directed by Award-Winning Filmmaker Liz Courtney, edited by Karin Steiniger the documentary follows a team of scientists on a mission to Antarctica, led by Prof Benjamin Horton, the Director of 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, the impact on ocean circulation, sea level rise and the importance of partnerships and teamwork to drive scientific discoveries and solutions.

Beautiful drone footage, captivating wildlife, a frozen land of ice and beauty sets an alluring backdrop to one of the world's hidden climate emergencies and poses the question - is Antarctica waking up? 

Join us for an engaging afternoon of film, discussion and insights including refreshments which will be served from 6-6.30pm and costs included in the ticket price.

The film will start at 6.30pm sharp - Watch trailer!

WHEN: 6pm, Wed 31 July 2024

WHERE: Western Sydney Uni, Level 9, Peter Shergold Building, 169 Macquarie St, Parramatta

TRANSPORT: Next to Parramatta Train Station or paid parking onsite