What a joy to have offered some moments of sonic accompaniment with the Bob Brown Foundation documentary Takayna – “The Heart of Lutruwita.”
Takayna – “The Heart of Lutruwita” is a moving and hopeful film documenting the ongoing struggle to protect the ancient landscapes of Takayna/Tarkine from mining and logging. Through the compelling voices of activists, scientists, members of the Palawa community, and Bob Brown, this film highlights the dedication and resilience of those committed to preserving this invaluable wilderness.
Takayna / Tarkine in the northwest of Lutruwita / Tasmania is an area that holds the last-remaining tracts of cool-temperate rainforest on Earth. An area that has seen many years of fierce displays of upholding values, and that continues to bear immense cultural significance to the palawa / pakana people of this land, as it has for millennia.
Only 1 of 10 criteria needs to be met for an area to be commended as World Heritage Value. Takayna meets 7 of those. More than 60 rare, threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna inhabit the Tarkine’s diverse ecosystems, which includes cool temperate rainforest, sea misted dunes, large plains of button grass and mountains covered in forests. The 495,000 hectares are not permanently protected, and are threatened by mining and logging industries and other harmful practices.
Produced in partnership with Bob Brown Foundation and Australian Geographic the film is accompanied by a stunning large-format photo book published by Australian Geographic and distributed by Hardie Grant, available for purchase through The Bob Brown Foundation’s website.
Musicians featured within the documentary included Denni, Shane Howard and Nigel Westlake. Thank you to Tiff Norchick for their harp accompaniment in the song “Temperate,'” which made it’s way into the film. Temperate is a musical work released in June 2024, featuring field recordings and soundscapes recorded in Takayna / Tarkine.
The film was Directed by Mathew Newton, produced by Mathew Newton and Jenny Webber and Edited by Mike Gissing.
The film will be showcased at special screenings featuring guest speakers and supported by Patagonia.