Overview
Last time that Australian actor-turned-director Damon Gameau brought a new project to the country's big screens, drought was blighting the country, the nation had just sweltered through its hottest summer on record, and severe storms were popping up with frequency in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That was back in 2019, and eco-conscious documentary 2040 couldn't have felt timelier as a result. It explored how the country might change — and how it might adapt to tackle climate change — in the space of just 21 years, and found welcoming audiences at festivals locally and overseas, and in cinemas in general.
Now, Gameau is back with a similar project. Given the wet and wild weather conditions of the past week in Queensland and New South Wales, his latest film also arrives at a time when the environment and the changing climate are firmly on everyone's minds. This time around, however, he's going shorter — in the doco's length, and in terms of how far ahead he's looking to the future.
With documentary short Regenerating Australia, Gameau ponders how the nation could look in 2030, but only if we start transitioning to a fairer, cleaner, more community-focused economy now — and putting in place changes inspired by the country's residents. Produced in partnership with WWF-Australia, the 17-minute film is poised as a news bulletin on New Year's Eve 2029, looking back at everything that's been achieved over the decade prior. And if you're wondering where Gameau came up with the answers, Regenerating Australia is based on a four-month interview process with a diverse range of Aussies, who all offered their thoughts, hopes and dreams on what they'd love to see happen.
As the just-dropped trailer shows, the short is constructed from fictional news reports and press conferences — but real-life high-profile journalists, politicians, business leaders and citizens such as Kerry O'Brien, Sandra Sully, Gorgi Coghlan, Patrick Abboud, Larissa Behrendt and David Pocock all feature.
Headed to the big screen like 2040 before it — and also Gameau's That Sugar Film before that — Regenerating Australia will premiere in Sydney on Friday, March 4 at UNSW Roundhouse, complete with a Q&A afterwards. It's then doing the rounds of cinemas across the country on a one-night basis, also accompanied by Q&As with expert panelists and live entertainment from local artists.
Also, all revenue from adult ticket sales will go direct to participating First Nations speakers and local artists, while under-18s get in free.
Check out the Regenerating Australia trailer below:
Regenerating Australia premieres at on Friday, March 4 at UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney, before touring the country throughout March, April and May. For further information, head to the film's website.