Watch ‘The Message of the Lyrebird’ (SBS On Demand)
Key art image: Iain Stych The Message of the Lyrebird (2025)
A brand new year ushers in a powerful new one-hour Australian documentary The Message of the Lyrebird. The award-winning film explores the astonishing vocal abilities of one of Australia’s most elusive birds—and the forests it calls home.
The Wilderness Society is proud to be an Impact Partner, helping this story reach more people and grow support for native forest protection.
Australians can now watch the bird mimicry movie at SBS On Demand (link below).
Key Review Points
Powerful Message: Reviewers consistently highlight the film's urgent environmental message. The lyrebird's ability to mimic sounds of human origin is presented as a "living archive" or "a warning that sings," reflecting the impact of human encroachment on native forests.
A Call to Action: The documentary is described not just as a nature film, but as a movement starter, designed to spark conversations about forest conservation. Impact partners, such as The Wilderness Society, BirdLife Shoalhaven, and Kirribilli Partners use the film to advocate for the preservation of the bird's habitat.
Artistic and Scientific Balance: Critics note the film successfully balances "science and poetry with ease". It features a diverse range of perspectives, including scientists, a citizen science study group, activists, and First Nations Knowledge Holders, who all help elucidate the bird's sophisticated artistry and cultural significance.
Visually and Aurally Engaging: The documentary has been praised for its stunning cinematography and sound design, which allow the incredible mimicry to be fully appreciated. One reviewer mentioned an "unforgettable moment" where the mimicry was so human that the entire room leaned forward.
Accolades: The film has received many international film awards, including a Bronze Honour at the Australian Cinematographers Society Awards.
Why it's Significant:
It's a visually stunning journey into Australia's native forests, offering a unique perspective on our relationship with the natural world through the eyes (and sounds) of one of its most remarkable inhabitants.
General Consensus
The general consensus is that The Message of the Lyrebird is an exceptional and emotional documentary that leaves a lasting impact on its audience. Critics and naturalists have described it as "one of the jauntiest, hilarious, teary, and thought-provoking wildlife films" ever seen, specifically praising how it balances hard science with a "keening cry of grief and outrage". It is recommended for anyone interested in Australian wildlife, conservation, and the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world.
How to Watch:
You can stream The Message of the Lyrebird for free on SBS On Demand.
Make an Impact:
As we distribute the film to wider audiences, you can contribute to the film’s impact campaign. All contributions will go to the producers at Balangara Films driving the film towards the education market and critical environmental advocacy screenings. Click for more info and Contribute today
#EchoTheCall
The "message" is ultimately an invitation to #EchoTheCall, urging viewers to move from passive listening to active accountability for forest conservation.
Contribute to the film’s impact campaign