WEOFF: At One with Nature

Are you ready to be at one with Nature? This session will dive into what people are doing around the world to create a world where humans and wildlife can live in harmony. From giving kiwis a boost in Aotearoa New Zealand to creating wildlife passages along Highway 93 in the US, you will leave this session feeling inspired to take action for nature! 

🛣️ Restoring the Spirit of Place (12min)

Directed by Jerry van de Beek, Lara Tomov & Nick Stone Schearer and produced by Taylor Lennox 

This is the story of wildlife passages along Highway 93 which runs through the Flathead Reservation and the work of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai (CSKT) tribes to support coexistence along human and wildlife corridors. The CSKT pushed for a “context-sensitive design of the expansion of Highway 93” to take into account the surrounding mountains, plains, hills, forests, valleys and sky. This includes the paths of waters, glaciers, winds, plants, animals and native people. The CKST call this approach "Spirit of Place".

🐻 Slaven. (5min) 

Directed & produced by Josh Robertson 

Wildlife conservationist Slaven Reljić is on a mission to protect bears and other large carnivores in Croatia and the surrounding countries — but is there hope for these charismatic species?

🇳🇿 Lifted (7min)

Directed by Harry Seagar 

‘Lifted’ is a captivating short film that chronicles the remarkable process known as a Kiwi Egg Lift. Showcasing the inspiring journey of kiwi from the egg to juvenile stage, before being safely returned to the wild to help grow the critically endangered population of the species. The film also shines a light on the challenges faced by and extraordinary efforts of Simon Hall, a visionary conservationist who has dedicated his life to creating New Zealand’s largest private conservation estate. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand, we witness the tireless efforts of the Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust.

🌊 Guardian of the Sea Lions (3min)

Directed & produced by Stephanie Guest & Shania Riethmann

“Guardian of the Sea Lions” is a film centered around Janet Ledingham, an 83 year-old woman who voluntarily collects data on the local Dunedin sea lions for the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust. It is both informative and inspiring as we learn about Janet’s passion for sea lions and her role in caring for the Dunedin population. The film will make you come to appreciate both Janet and the sea lions, as Janet tells her story.

🍯 Flight of the Helmeted Honeyeater (9min):

Directed by Angus Hamilton and produced by William Hassan

Flight of the Helmeted Honeyeater is a documentary focussing on this critically endangered bird and the volunteers giving up their time to save this Victorian treasure.

The Helmeted Honeyeater is now found only in a sliver of re-grown forest. Less than 15 years ago, there were fewer than 50 individuals remaining.

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater and partners have been crucial to helping bring the bird back from the brink of extinction. The population has now reached approximately 250 individuals (and is hopefully growing every year). The Helmeted Honeyeater acts as a symbol of both the fragile natural world, and as a success story... a beacon of hope.

🦇 Life with Bats (6min): 

Directed & produced by David Luff 

Life with Bats follows three wildlife carers in different aspects of their jobs. From rescuing orphaned pups, to rehabilitating and caring for them. We learn about the importance that this species plays in our ecosystem as well as ways we can ensure the survival of their population. All while seeing fascinating footage of this adorable and loving species, including rescues of orphaned pups and the rehabilitation process.

An expert Q&A panel will follow this film session. The total run time will be 2h. 

To see our full program and detailed information please go to: https://wildearthoceania.com/