Summary
The Rising Wild is a six-part solutions focused documentary series that explores adaptation, resilience, and nature-based solutions in the face of escalating climate challenges.
Through the lens of American photographer, writer, and documentary filmmaker Olivia Katz, the series follows her journey across Australia as she documents communities on the frontlines of climate change and those driving solutions that foster regeneration and hope.
Each episode explores a unique context in which communities are driving solutions that benefit our natural world and the communities that depend on it. From urban renewal to regenerative agriculture and riparian restoration, each episode illuminates the power and possibility of working with nature rather than against it.
Olivia serves as both the on-camera host and narrator, leading this series with heartfelt compassion, a deep love of the natural world and an innate curiosity, bringing the audience along, almost as a friend would, on this transformative ride.
The Rising Wild will document and amplify stories of solution makers--those who are harnessing the power of nature, community, and traditional wisdom to address our climate challenges with creativity and courage.
A special focus will be spent on amplifying First Nations, gender diverse, and climate vulnerable voices, creatures and ecosystems.
The Rising Wild is a collection of tales about profound environmental possibility and hope forged through action.
The Rising Wild will provide a reimagined vision of what the future could look like. A future in which we thrive alongside nature and where evidence and action inspire change.
‘Out of the Mud’ takes audiences on an immersive journey into the lives of five remarkable humans, healing and rebuilding after the catastrophic Northern Rivers floods of2022. This is a tale for all Australian communities, as our characters’ lessons, challenges, and victories light the path for the many others who will soon be confronted with climate disasters in their hometowns. Through their lens, a narrative of grief, loss and ultimately resilience, kindness and innovation emerges.
As they move through both obstacles and triumphs, a roadmap to recovery begins to materialise - with prescient wisdom for future disaster affected communities. As these personal narratives touch on our key themes of disaster preparedness, climate change, land degradation, displacement, and the imperative of caring for Country we will visit experts who place this crisis in a national context.
Flood devastated house In Broadwater, abandoned by residents now displaced. Image taken 6+ months after flood.
Acts 1 and 2 of our film bring sharply into focus what it could look like if Australia walks blindly into the next decade of a warming existence on one of the most exposed continents on earth.
In Act 3, the tone shifts as we embark on an inspired journey to discover and understand some of the most critical solutions we have at our fingertips, to the climate challenges we face – all emerging from the flood plain. It is in Act 3 that we paint an achievable and tangible picture of possibility and regeneration post disaster.
Cheryl & David, Tucki Tucki NSW
Leanne, Bungawalbin NSW
Emily, Coraki NSW
ACT 3
Active Hope | Integrated solutions for the future | Emerging from the mud
Act 3 will take audiences on an inspired deep dive into the bestand most innovative climate solutions emerging from the floodplain. The solutions we explore will address critical needs arounddisaster preparedness, climate change mitigation, adaptation andregeneration while also looking at Australia's cycles of drought, fire,and flood. While these solutions will be explored as a part of theNorthern Rivers case study those that we highlight will be widelyapplicable to other landscapes and communities across thiscontinent. This Act is to be developed in consultation with leadingclimate, adaptation and regeneration experts.