The natural and cultural values of the Kimberley's Martuwarra Fitzroy River was showcased to a Naarm audience recently, when powerful nature documentary Lifeblood premiered at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
Lifeblood premiered at Cinema Nova in Carlton last Thursday as part of the month-long film festival and highlights the threats facing the Martuwarra and the need to protect the National Heritage listed river.
Narrated by Bunuba Traditional Owner Manymiya 'Obby' Bedford, the documentary journeys the length of the 733-kilometre Martuwarra, showcasing the extremes of nature in the Kimberley and its ever-changing seasons that species must adapt to survive in.
Ms Bedford said she was excited to share the Martuwarra with a Melbourne audience.
"In the Kimberley, water feeds everything, sustaining all the plants, animals and people," she said.
"Personally, the Martuwarra has formed my identity, my peace, my home, my language. By sharing Lifeblood – and the story of this river – with audiences across Australia, more people can understand why we must leave it thriving and untouched."
The 50-minute film features footage of rare wildlife — including the critically endangered freshwater sawfish.
The film has also been nominated for four awards at the Festival; Best Director, Best Environmental Documentary, Best Documentary, and Supreme Jury Prize. The awards will be announced on Sunday July 27.
The Kimberley – Like Nowhere Else campaign coordinator Lisa Thomas said Melbourne audiences experienced one of the world's healthiest, free-flowing rivers systems as it's never been seen before on film.
"We're so excited to bring Lifeblood to Melbourne and grateful to have been selected by Melbourne Documentary Film Festival to show this important film," Ms Thomas said.
"The Martuwarra Fitzroy River is not only an iconic river in WA, but it is renowned and loved by people across Australia and the world, so to be able to come and share this film with a Melbourne audience is exciting.
"We hope this documentary will inspire people to learn more about the Martuwarra and the incredible biodiversity and culture it supports, and why long-term and binding protection from large-scale water extraction is needed to protect the river."