The movie that’s reminding people about the history of the forest

Full house in the 300-seat main auditorium at Cameo Belgrave, prior to the Australian premiere screening of The Message of the Lyrebird (12 February 2022).

The latest Australian independent wildlife film, The Message of the Lyrebird was supposed to hit the screen at Cameo Belgrave in August 2021. The lockdown hit instead and the Australian premiere was postponed more than once.  

On Saturday 12 February 2022 however, Lyrebird flapped its feathers for the first time on the Australian silver screen. The creature co-existence film didn’t disappoint the sold out crowd at the classic 1930s Cameo cinema. Set amongst the picturesque Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, local lyrebird fans and guests from afar flocked [for what is normally a typical sleepy time slot at 3PM] to be awakened by never-before seen behaviour of the obscure Australian protagonist. 

“I just saw this amazing film at the Cameo Cinema…” one audience member announced on social media.

“It was a fantastic experience… thought provoking film and humorous…” said another.

Responses to the film also spoke about the history of the forests and the help of humans to protect what remains of lyrebird habitat. One person remarked, “Fabulous record of these amazing birds and the awesome people monitoring them and waiving the banner for their protection…”

Dandenong Ranges resident and lyrebird photographer, Stephen Powell praised the film for its fresh-storytelling approach.

“Today we attended the long anticipated showing at the Cameo. It captures the beauty and magic of lyrebirds… Loved it from the beginning to the end!”

Many of the cast and crew attended the screening, including the film’s cinematographer Nick Hayward, who traveled from Hobart.

“It could not have been more perfect,” he said. “We filled the main theatre. We sold-out of Lyrebird books. Everyone loved the film and the Q&A was really informative for the Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group.”

Alex Maisey (left) and Nick’s son, Ned Hayward (right) handing out the Lyrebird Companion Guide to the feature film after the screening.

The Sherbrooke Lyrebird Study Group (SLSG) hosted the community event to raise funds for their ongoing research on the evolution and function of song in female lyrebirds. SLSG member, Alex Maisey, who spoke before the screening and during the Special Q&A afterwards, said the film had certainly attracted people’s attention.

“It was amazing to share the experience and see the reaction on so many faces who have attended our Dawn Survey’s over the last decade. It was also a pleasure to see a worthy winner of the book prize we raffled to help raise funds for the group,” Alex said.

Liz Conolly won the door raffle prize; a 180-page Companion Guide to the feature film. Her late partner, Darcy Duggan was one of the most influential people in the Dandenong Ranges who advocated for environmental restoration. Darcy also worked hard on a strategic level to ensure land managers were informed when making decisions.

“It seemed very fitting that the book went to Liz,” Alex noted.

Master of Ceremonies Peter George declared…

“It was such a magical day to have the cinema full and experience the energy of the core lyrebird audience, who were anticipating the film. The Message of the Lyrebird was a real pleasure to watch on the big screen and to hear all those incredible sounds in the cinema… a very memorable day for everyone who attended. And there were many great messages to take-away from the film, including peace and harmony between all peoples.”

The Message of the Lyrebird was released at Village Cinemas in New York during the 2021 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in October. The film has since received five international film awards, and additionally, a Bronze Honour at the 2021 Australian Cinematographers Society Awards.  

The film will continue to host in-person community screenings and virtual events for land and wildlife organisations to extend its social impact message of protecting lyrebird habitat.

Since Saturday’s screening, Balangara Films has received positive messages and enquiries about the film, including; “What a joy to watch…” “Can I purchase the soundtrack…?” “Such a brilliant film...” “Unbelievable insight…” “When will it be available for schools?” “Painstakingly captured...” “So incredibly filmed…” Here’s a roundup of what people are saying:

“Brilliant movie!”
–Tom McPhee, World Animal Awareness Society

‘‘Absolutely amazing. I learnt so much from the documentary about the lyrebird.’’
–Peter Krausz, Movie Metropolis, WYN-FM and Former Chair and Member, Australian Film Critics Association

‘‘A wonderful film. The footage of the lyrebirds in the wild was especially fantastic.’’
–Dr Jacqueline Nguyen, Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow/Scientific Officer, Ornithology | Terrestrial Vertebrates

“I was blown away with the entire experience.”
–Ron Nutt, Cameo Belgrave audience member

“Watched the film yesterday and have been talking and texting about it today. Hope it has a season at the Cameo for local schools. Well done team Lyrebird!”
–Pauline Hosking, Cameo Belgrave audience member

“Well done lyrebird legends! It's great to see so much support for our amazing local lyrebirds and the team who look after them.”
–Mc Sharon, Cameo Belgrave audience member

“What fabulous insight to our beautiful native Lyrebird… and the environmental effects to their native habitat… I do highly recommend it!!”
–Lisa Anderson, Cameo Belgrave audience member

Top view of the audience in the main auditorium before the screening.