Lismore, Australia’s most flood-prone postcode, remains haunted by the aftermath of the worst flooding in living memory. In the maelstrom we encounter a young family on the precipice of homelessness —Eli (30), Jess (28) and Jensen (6). After surviving the floods they search for higher ground, but tragedy strikes hurling them back into their low-lying flood home. Their hopes rest on a government package that is ensnared in problems. Their story is just one of many climate survivor stories in Lismore. Tenacious, eclectic and driven, they won’t take resistance to their salvation lying down. FLOODLAND exposes the complex nuance in what is the most expensive disaster in Australian history. Class divisions, mismanagement and bureaucratic obstacles conspire, perpetuating climate inequality.
Jordan Giusti is a twice ADG nominated director. He is best known for directing Grevillea, which had its world premiere at Berlinale’s Generation 14plus Competition in 2020, where it was nominated for a Crystal Bear. Jordan’s short films have since had notable screenings at Sydney Film Festival, Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival and his latest, Reptile, won MIFF’s Emerging Australian Filmmaker Award in 2021. Most recently, Jordan premiered Reptile internationally at Sitges IFFFC in competition for their 2022 program. Shortlisted for Vicscreen’s inaugural Originate Program, Jordan has his eye on a transition to feature filmmaking.