Bloom

South Australia is facing increasingly severe and unpredictable algal blooms that threaten the balance of its coastal ecosystems, public health, and local economies. Driven by a mix of climate change, nutrient pollution, and human activity, these blooms suffocate marine life, contaminate seafood, and jeopardise industries that rely on clean, healthy waters. Beyond the science, the blooms expose deeper vulnerabilities: the livelihoods of fishers, the traditions of Indigenous communities, the sustainability of tourism, and the government’s ability to respond to mounting environmental crises. This documentary investigates the unfolding story of South Australia’s algal blooms—what causes them, who they impact, and what’s at stake if urgent solutions are not found.

BLOOM the documentary will not only engage audiences as a compelling film, it will also raise awareness of the very real and devastating effect that climate change is beginning to have on all of our lives. With a strong impact campaign built around the release of the film, we will work closely with key local and national environmental organisations to help shift public opinion and inspire communities and government to take a radically different approach to marine management and climate mitigation.

Our first stage development period will involve forging initial partnerships in this space to ensure the film will eventually be used as an advocacy tool and to generate maximum impact. In this period we will also undertake story development, including extensive research and initial discussions and interviews to determine the best characters and storylines to pursue, as well as begin collecting footage of the devastation to date.

To challenge and influence policy and decision makers from council level to state and federal government.
To inspire a groundswell of community support and action around pressuring those mentioned above to take real and meaningful steps towards climate mitigation, particular around ocean management.

Daniel lives on Kangaroo Island which was one of the first and hardest hit regions. Along with the devastation of the mounting marine animal deaths, he has seen how it has disrupted daily life—closing waters, threatening seafood, and upending local industries. He stands as a witness and a storyteller: connected to the people whose livelihoods are at stake, and committed to sharing their experiences with a wider audience so their struggles are understood and resilience recognised.
Katrina is currently running the impact campaign for the feature documentary Songs Inside and is building an extensive network of contacts within local SA government. Our partner organisations that we intend to connect with will also be crucial in accessing the right

This film doesn’t just inform—it inspires action. Viewers will be urged to support science-led monitoring and demand stronger policies on agricultural runoff and coastal development to prevent future blooms. Coastal communities will be encouraged to share local knowledge and report changes in water quality, strengthening early warning systems. Audiences can back sustainable seafood choices, ensuring consumer demand supports fishers and aquaculture operators who are adapting responsibly. The film will invite schools, community groups, and environmental organisations to use it as an educational tool, sparking conversations about climate resilience and marine health. Importantly, it will call on citizens to engage with Indigenous knowledge and stewardship, recognising its value in managing fragile ecosystems. By combining individual steps with collective advocacy, the documentary empowers people to move from awareness to tangible change—protecting SA’s waters for future generations.