The Giants: Talking the Tarkine

Join us for a lunchtime discussion of forthcoming feature documentary The Giants, and how we can protect Australia's precious Gondwana-era native forests, such as the Tarkine/Takayna in northwest Tasmania. Tune in to hear filmmakers Laurence Billiet and Rachael Antony, Bob Brown Foundation Campaign Manager Jenny Weber and Intrepid Travel's Rachelle Uhlmann discuss the unique values of our native forests, their contribution to biodiversity, water security and climate justice, and the critical next steps to ensure their conservation into the future.

About the film
The Giants explores the intertwined fates of trees and humans in a cinematic portrait of environmental folk hero and gay icon Bob Brown, who took green politics to the centre of power. From seedling to forest elder, witness the extraordinary life of Bob Brown intertwined with the story of Australia's ancient trees.

In cinemas April 20, 2023. Find a screening near you.

Speaker bios

Laurence Billiet is a writer, producer and director, and is a co-founder of Melbourne-based creative studio General Strike. In 2001 she founded Lonely Planet Television and executive produced dozens of TV shows for domestic and international broadcasters. After several years overseas, Laurence moved back to Melbourne to establish General Strike and pivoted to directing the films she produces. The first full-length film she directed, FREEMAN, which premiered on the ABC TV, was the most watched documentary of 2020 on Australian TV.  

Rachael Antony is a writer, producer and director, and is co-founder of General Strike and the studio’s head writer. Rachael has over 20 years’ experience as a writer and journalist, having written for television, online and print. She has worked as a writer/researcher for television series, such as Lonely Planet Six Degrees (SBS, Discovery) and Family Footsteps (ABC). Most recently she acted as Script Editor for FREEMAN (ABC TV).  

Jenny Weber is an Earth activist and has spent more than two decades on the frontlines of forest action. She has been the campaigns manager at the Bob Brown Foundation for the past nine years, where she has played a pivotal role in its diverse environmental campaigns, including calling for Takayna/Tarkine protection as a World Heritage Area and be returned to Aboriginal ownership.

Rachelle Uhlmann is an Eco- and Sustainable Tourism professional with a passion for protecting Australia’s precious natural environments. Rachelle is Head of Product at JOOB Travel Company and working for Intrepid DMC Australia, where she is responsible for creating experiences focused on positive change and meaningful connections between travellers and host communities. Rachelle believes tourism can facilitate creating awareness, support local conservation efforts, promote responsible tourism and help create alternative economic activities that help sustain the local community. 

Mitzi Goldman (Moderator) is a founder and CEO of Documentary Australia, having been instrumental in its realisation since its inception in 2006. With 30 years experience as a documentary director, producer and editor through her production company Looking Glass Pictures, she has created many award-winning international documentaries.