SALTWATER DETECTIVES are Australian First Nations traditional owners awakening song, dance, language and environmental knowledge to lead reef repairs on the Great Barrier Reef.
The film follows the remote reef repair work happening with next generation Guunggandji Traditional owner Frederick Lefoe and marine biologist Dr Eric Fisher. This investigation with test their expertise and instincts to find a solution to one of the greatest environmental challenges on the Australia’s World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
“I want to become friends with the coral” – Guunggandji Traditional Owner, marine diver and reef builder Frederick Lefoe
Cultural Director Lucresia Willet Gunggandji Traditional Owner
The documentary follows next generational traditional owner investigating how traditional deep time knowledge propels detective work into areas that can radically improve the success of growing heat tolerant corals that can be upscaled and shared with other Ocean communities around the world.
Observational in every way and authentically narrated by Guunggandji Traditional owner Nathan Schrieber. Underwater cinematography thanks to Richard Fitzpatrick from Biopixel foundation – a team who have been documenting species on the Great Barrier Reef for the last 3 decades. Their expertise provides filmmaking techniques to boost the cinematic experience for audiences.
DURATION: 90 MINUTES
Issue area
in 2026 things are changing on the Great Barrier Reef where relationships between First Nations traditional owners and marine biologists strengthen to create globally significant solutions that will protect this sacred landscape for generations.
Impact success sees Fred training the next generation of rangers into marine divers and reef builders and sharing his expertise with ocean communities around the world. This work is at it’s infancy. The film will help to articulate WHY nature needs First Peoples ON THE FRONTLINE of reef repairs with the potential to develop the documentary into a returning series.
Our film improves Indigenous led story telling about managing sea Country, respecting Culture and brings audiences to the reef to learn how they can contribute.
I have been filming with Frederick Independently for 3 years capturing Elder testimonials about the way we work with them, the name, logline and the direction of the web series. I have been in constant contact with the GMY board of directors, The King Of Yarrabah, Dr Eric Fisher, the Reef Cooperative & Citizens of the Reef whose work we are very grateful to be able to observe.
We launched and road tested the short film to over 400 people who engaged with us via our panel talks on Sea Country & underwater cinematography and Saltwater Detectives world premiere launch and through our digital platform @saltwaterdetectives
We have done a live Linked In webinar with Co director and Cultural director Lucresia Willet, myself and founding funder First Nations corporate coach brendan Littlechild talking about how we work together -which led to a new relationship with The International Decade Of Indigenous Languages – Australia and Youth Hostel Australia mangers who watch the session online.
This led to an accomodation partnership with YHA and hiring of our key story teller Uncle Darryl Murgha being hires as an Elder in residence tro provide talks to travellers staying at YHA Cairns.
Thanks Margee, for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the filming of Moore reef- reef restoration Saltwater detective.
What I have witnessed on Moore reef, the work that Dr Eric, Fred, and the team are doing made me realise how work on Sea country is just as important as the work that is done on country (land).
As an Aunty/Mum I am also blessed to be able to give cultural guidance and embed my cultural knowledge to Fred, who is just growing and developing personally and professionally in the work he has been doing in the past couple of years.
Sincerely thanks for this opportunity.
Margee Brown is co-creator of The First Inventors which is streaming on Amazon, Paramount, Apple TV and SBS. The 4 part series reveals un-told stories of innovation and survival by Indigenous people who have called this place, home for over 75,000 years. Next generational Indigenous scientists and experts share stories that describe their ancestors as futurists, ecologists, engineers, architects and prolific inventors. With a wealth of experience in both creative development, research and production, Margee has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive and diverse narrative, that reflect the strength and resilience of communities.
As well as documentary credits for The First Inventors, Margee produced an animated documentary Un-Locked (SBS) and Bear -The Koala Hero (FOXTEL) she and won best documentary at LGBT Toronto Film Festival with Andrew Mercado in 2024. With Prime time credits for 7 Big Brother series, X Factor, Celebrity Apprentice, So You Think You Can Dance and the Voice
$35,000
FUNDING GOAL$22,350
FUNDS RAISED4th March 2027
PROJECT ENDS7
SUPPORTERS
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