The premiere night for the film Being Change was a very special evening.
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The response from the community was fantastic, with almost 300 people booking their tickets ahead of the night, necessitating the use of both cinemas at the Picture Show Man in Merimbula.
South East Arts managing director Andrew Gray and Bettina Richter emceed the night across the two cinemas, with councillor Cathy Griff officially launching the film, and the film's composers Kate Bourke and Pete Wild playing pre-screening live music.
The documentary’s central figure Alexandra Seddon spoke eloquently about countering fear and political inaction with community action and conservation.
“Just because our forests and oceans don't scream, is it okay to hurt them?” she asked the audience, imploring for courage and continued conservation efforts at the grass-roots level to help foster a better environment and planet.
Filmmaker Toni Houston said the motivation behind her work with Ms Seddon was Mahatma Gandhi's famous mantra “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.
“While most of us make speeches or stress out about changing ourselves, changing others or changing the world, Alexandra simply IS change,” Ms Houston said.
“It was a privilege making the film about a woman who has contributed so much to the Bega Valley, and I hope it inspires other individuals and community groups to follow her lead.”
Ms Houston said Ms Seddon's story is another powerful example of what one woman can do.
“Alexandra's a woman who has invested every cent of her inheritance – not in a faster car or bigger house – but in securing wildlife areas for people and animals to forever enjoy,” she said, thanking Ms Seddon for giving the local area Panboola Wetlands, Potoroo Palace, Cowsnest Community Farm and Batty Towers flying fox sanctuary.
“How much happier this planet would be if it simply had more Alexandras,” she concluded.
In her speech, Ms Houston thanked the many people involved in the making of the film, most notably Kate Bourke and Pete Wild who composed a beautiful original score, Bettina Richter for her PR and outreach effort, the film's many interviewees – including Federal Member Mike Kelly – who helped highlight how important Ms Seddon's work is not just regionally but nationally, local drone operator Raymond Toms, and especially the Picture Show Man Cinema who donated the night so that 100 per cent of the profits could go back to Potoroo Palace.
Cr Griff acknowledged the efforts of Ms Houston to get the documentary independently produced, spoke of Ms Seddon's passion and how that informs her role within council, and shared her aspirations for a greener future.
“It was very special sitting in the crowded cinema last night with so many engaged people, and to receive such heartfelt positive feed back afterwards,” Ms Houston said.
“People seemed genuinely moved by Alexandra's extraordinary story, local efforts and legacy, and many people commented that they loved the use of her artwork throughout the film, which added a lyrical, dream-like quality.”
Being Change will screen at 11.55am on November 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Picture Show Man at regular cinema entry prices, with 50 per cent being donated to Potoroo Palace.
