World premiere of Flyways

World premiere of Flyways

New film follows shorebirds’ epic journeys, highlighting the threats they face

A new film, Flyways — The Untold Story of Migratory Shorebirds, will have its world premiere on 6 May at the Majestic Cinema in Wynnum.

‘Flyways’ follows teams of scientists and amateur bird enthusiasts across the world, as they join forces to track shorebirds during their epic, annual migrations. Flying non-stop from the Southern Hemisphere to the Arctic to breed—and then navigating unerringly back home again—shorebirds face increasing threats to their survival from ever-expanding human development and are in serious decline.

Director, writer and cinematographer Randall Wood says that Flyways revels in the beauty and wonder of migratory shorebirds and seeks to answer questions: What routes do the birds take? How do they navigate such mind-boggling distances? How are they able to stay aloft for nine days without stopping to refuel?

This visually stunning and insightful film, narrated by award-winning Australian actress Mia Wasikowska, follows three main migratory shorebirds – the Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Red Knot – in their magical journeys north via ancient migration routes.

Will they find enough food to start the journey? Will there be enough drinking water on the way given the state of climate change and extreme drought? Can the film crew and scientists get access to Siberia amidst hostilities between Russia and Ukraine?

‘Flyways’ also follows the charismatic scientists who lead three research teams which track the birds’ epic journeys.

“Shorebirds, the wayfarers, are truly the most exquisite species on the planet. On their epic journeys shorebirds tell us so much about ourselves, our world, and our quest for a better future. The film will feature the deep and enduring connection humans have with these wild creatures, their ethereal song, the vibrancy and hope they bring to our lives,” said Wood.

Flyways supports the ‘Save Toondah Harbour’ campaign.

This extraordinary cinema experience will debut at the World Premiere on 6 May and screen in other states and territories:

Saturday 6 May — World Premiere featuring Q&A with Randall Wood and BirdLife Australia at Majestic Cinemas Wynnum, Queensland.

Sunday 7 May — Brisbane Premiere – featuring Q&A with Randall Wood and BirdLife Australia at New Farm Cinemas.

Tuesday 9 May — Sydney Premiere featuring Q&A with Randall Wood at the Cremorne Orpheum.

Wednesday 10 May — Q&A Screening with Randall Wood at Dendy Cinema Newtown.

Thursday 11 May — Q&A Screening with Randall Wood at Randwick Ritz Cinema. Tickets here.

Friday, 12 May — Victorian Premiere at Cinema Nova, Carlton.

Saturday 13 May — Q&A Screening at Cameo Cinema, Belgrave.

Sunday 14 May — Q&A Screening at Lido Cinema Hawthorn.

Tuesday 16 May — ACT Premiere featuring Q&A at Dendy Cinema Canberra. Tickets here.

Wednesday 17 May — Pivotonian Cinema Geelong. Tickets here.

Friday 19 May — West Australian Premiere featuring Q&A with Randall Wood at Luna Cinema Leederville. Tickets here.

Sunday 21 May — South Australian Premiere featuring Q&A with Randall Wood at Palace Nova Cinema. Tickets here.

Saturday 27 May — Tasmania Premiere at State Cinema Hobart. Tickets here.

Flyways – The Untold Story of Migratory Shorebirds is a Storyland and Screen Australia presentation in association with Screen Queensland, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, ZED and PTS Taiwan, of a Randall Wood film.