ADELAIDE PREMIERE THE KOALAS is a movie about survival tells stories of resilience of this iconic species in the face of threatened extinction in the wild.

"Action comes out of brilliant movies like The Koalas" - Bob Brown

"You'll be charmed. You'll be dismayed. And then i bet you'll be as angry as hell" - Tim Winton AO

The Koalas takes audiences on a journey into the lives of individual koalas, led by charismatic characters - Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral and adorable joeys Hope and Pala. As these stories unfold we witness the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young, and the wildlife carers they come into with. These seven emerge as ambassadors for all koalas facing threats to their ongoing survival.

As the climate changes, wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events are increasingly wreaking havoc on wildlife, their habitat as well as on human infrastructure. After surviving for 25 million years on the Australian continent, can the iconic marsupial be at risk of extinction in the wild? The film celebrates resilience in the face of the challenges and invites audiences to become catalysts for change.

Despite the sombre realities, The Koalas embraces a spirit of hope. With high-production values, observational filming and insights from those on the frontline of wildlife rescue and ecology, The Koalas challenges viewers to become aware of wildlife, support wildlife carers and preserve native habitat in their local areas.

These stories show the struggle and resilience of this iconic species in the face of threatened extinction in the wild. The film resonates with a powerful message: if we can’t (or won’t) save this iconic native species what does it say about us and our own future?

The film will be introduced by Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young and followed by a Q&A with Danielle Clode, author of Koala-A life in Trees; Karen Burke Da Silva - Professor of Biodiversity and Conservation; and Dr Julian Beaman - Arc Linkage Project.

Produced and Directed by Gregory Miller and Georgia Wallace-Crabbe.