Chasing The Last Giants

Old growth forests, and the giant trees they harbour, are some of our most critical and vital ecosystems. Places such as Tasmania’s Grove of Giants, and the forests of Canada and Borneo play essential roles for biodiversity, wildlife, carbon storage and within our culture and society. Despite their value, however, they are still under threat from logging, deforestation and climate change. This is a preventable tragedy, and we still have time to change course and save the last of these giant trees. This documentary film aims to raise awareness about the importance and value of these ancient forests and giant trees, to inspire people to take action and preserve these crucial ecosystems. This film aims to help shift the conversation around old-growth forestry in Australia and internationally to save not only the Grove of Giants, but other forests that are under threat around the world.

Giant trees are worth so much more standing. This film envisions a world where giant trees and forests are protected and thriving, where we recognize their value, both ecologically and economically, and the essential role they play in sustaining life on Earth. Through this film and impact campaign, we seek to resource the diverse global networks that are featured in the film to leverage the opportunity to bring these groups together to build more powerful alliances to protect the forests.

The immediate outcome is to increase awareness about the existence and plight of giant trees, the issue of deforestation and logging, and the importance of preservation. The film explores the opportunities for audiences to contribute to change, following Jen and Steve on their own activist journey, and inspiring audiences to take action. Led by partner organisations, targeted government engagement is planned alongside the film’s release to encourage long-term protection of the forests. It is a critical time for native forest in Australia – the Government has committed to rewriting the three-decades old national forest policy statement this term. This film builds on the groundwork laid by several high profile documentaries featuring old growth forests. The film also presents a chance for new audiences to join the movement: audiences who are interested in adventure, extreme sports, art and travel genres, as well as the education market, especially in science and humanities.

Jen and Steve are incredibly well networked: they run The Tree Projects, they advocate for an economic development plan called the Big Tree State, they work extensively with land and park volunteer groups, and they work with brands that have an environmental interest including The North Face. They have a wide and diverse network of people around the world in tree climbing, photography, science and conservation.

The impact campaign will utilise the film to amplify and energise existing movements in Australia, Borneo, Canada and other territories with old growth forests. It will bring new audiences to the movement, and in partnership with key organisations, replicate their calls to action based on the most effective strategy around release. The film will also increase the visibility of the issue at key international events which have environmental issues at stake including COP, the Biodiversity Treaty, the Plastics Treaty and the High Seas Treaty. The campaign will attract new audiences, build new coalitions, generate fresh conversations and utilise resources from the film to inspire audiences to take action and prevent this tragedy taking place on our watch.