Western Australia’s iconic black cockatoos are in crisis. Their numbers have fallen dramatically over the past few decades and all three species in the southwest could become extinct in just 20 years unless something is done to protect their habitats. With the loss of the banksia woodlands on the Swan Coastal Plain to housing, Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos face possible starvation.
Meanwhile, Baudin’s Black Cockatoos are being shot in an unequal battle for apple and pear seeds with orchardists; and Forest Red Tailed Black Cockatoos are under threat from declining habitat.
Black Cockatoo Crisis is a narrative driven social impact documentary which examines the plight of WA’s iconic and endangered black cockatoos and what can be done to save these three species from extinction.
Using interview, narration, music and outstanding cinematography this part expository, part poetic and part observational style documentary uses its narrative arc to take the audience on a journey through the fly ways and seasons of our magnificent black cockatoos.
It highlights their vulnerability to extinction while also demonstrating that much can be done to save them if we act now. It will give a voice to advocates, scientists, first nations people and communities on the frontline of the effort to save the species.
Black Cockatoo Crisis is supported by a wrap-around social impact campaign aimed at saving the black cockatoos.
The film is directed and produced by Western Australian based independent environmental filmmaker Jane Hammond.
“In the UN Decade of Ecological Restoration and following the Australian Government’s recent commitment to halting extinctions, Black Cockatoo Crisis brings to light the need to urgently protect the remaining habitat for the three species of Black Cockatoos in South-West WA.”
Patrick Gardner, WA Campaigns Manager with the Wilderness Society