Western Australian feature documentary Black Cockatoo Crisis has hit Perth cinemas today, with the film undertaking an exclusive limited season at Luna Leederville.

Black Cockatoo Crisis follows the plight of Western Australia’s iconic black cockatoos, and looks at ways we can reverse their decline and stop these threatened birds from disappearing forever. The numbers of Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos have fallen dramatically over the past few decades and all three species in the southwest of WA could become extinct in just 20 years unless something is done to protect their habitats.

The documentary is produced and directed by Western Australian filmmaker, journalist and life-long environmental activist, Jane Hammond. Black Cockatoo Crisis is Jane’s fourth long form environmental documentary following Cry of the Forests (2020), A Crude Injustice (2017) and A Fractured State (2016). As both a filmmaker and journalist, she has a wealth of experience in telling stories of environmental justice, social affairs, science and politics.

“The film aims to move audiences to demand action from our political leaders to stop these beautiful creatures slipping into extinction. With so little time left to turn the situation around we need to act now. We are losing birds to car strikes, illegal shooting, land clearing, pesticide poisoning, food and nesting shortages and general habitat loss. This really is a story that needs to be told.” said Jane Hammond, Black Cockatoo Crisis Director and Producer.

Narrated by Malgana Yamatji woman Janine Oxenham, Black Cockatoo Crisis is executive produced by Ian Hale of HALO Films, who is distributing the film. The documentary is edited by Nicholas Dunlop, with Jane and Richard Todd serving as cinematographers.

Jane was the recipient of the 2021 recipient of Screenwest’s Brian Beaton Award, which is a grant awarded annually to filmmaker/s who have a current social impact project in need of further support. Western Australian conservation organisations the Wilderness Society and the WA Forest Alliance also joined Black Cockatoo Crisis as impact partners, working with Jane to build awareness and inspire audiences to take action.

“Jane and her team’s hard work, passion and commitment shine through in this powerful documentary. Black Cockatoo Crisis evokes a strong sense of urgency and I look forward to seeing audiences come away with the drive to help give these unique WA birds a fighting chance.” said Paul Williams, Screenwest Documentary Executive.

Black Cockatoo Crisis screens at Luna Leederville until 7 December, with an Open Caption screening taking place on Saturday, 3 December. Tickets are available through the Luna Palace Cinemas website here. Further screenings across Perth, regional WA and Australia will be announced shortly.

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