How the future of the
Franklin River
was made
91 minutes
Franklin (2022)
Eighth-generation Tasmanian and environmentalist Oliver Cassidy embarks on a life-changing solo rafting trip down the beautiful yet remote Franklin River. His goal is to retrace his late father’s 14-day expedition to attend the blockade that helped save the World-Heritage listed national park from being destroyed by a huge hydroelectric dam project in the early 1980s.
History that’s never been seen
Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, the eight-year-long 'Franklin campaign' is revealed as the most significant environmental protest in Australia's history; an inspiring example of the power of non-violent direct action to bring about lasting change.
Hear from leaders that drove the change
In depth interviews with key players such as Bob Brown and Uncle Jim Everett give you an insight into the leaders actions at the time and how they overcame the odds to protect the river.
A personal journey through nature and family
Physically challenged beyond his limits, Oliver’s journey is one of healing and deeper understanding as he searches for the right way to say 'goodbye' to his father.
Eighth-generation Tasmanian and environmentalist Oliver Cassidy embarks on a life-changing solo rafting trip down the beautiful yet remote Franklin River. His goal is to retrace his late father’s 14-day expedition to attend the blockade that helped save the World-Heritage listed national park from being destroyed by a huge hydroelectric dam project in the early 1980s.
History that’s never been seen
Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, the eight-year-long 'Franklin campaign' is revealed as the most significant environmental protest in Australia's history; an inspiring example of the power of non-violent direct action to bring about lasting change.
Hear from leaders that drove the change
In depth interviews with key players such as Bob Brown and Uncle Jim Everett give you an insight into the leaders actions at the time and how they overcame the odds to protect the river.
A personal journey through nature and family
Physically challenged beyond his limits, Oliver’s journey is one of healing and deeper understanding as he searches for the right way to say 'goodbye' to his father.
Read our take on Franklin
2 May 2023
Like Father, Like Son: Retracing the Oar Strokes of the Greatest Aussie Enviro Protest Ever
How has Franklin impacted you?
What the critics say
The passion of the protesters is impressive as are the spectacular images of the magnificent river itself.
David Stratton
The Australian
It’s a visual tapestry, stitched together with an intimacy that vividly evokes the sense of camaraderie shared by the campaigners, along with the many discomforts they endured.
Sandra Hall
SMH
It's a tear-jerking testament to the power of nature to elicit strong emotion and connection; "There's no turning back on the Franklin."
Adena Maier
Time Out
A beautifully constructed and created mesh of the micro and the macro, the personal and the political, Franklin is an utterly enthralling documentary
Erin Free
Film Ink
The passion of the protesters is impressive as are the spectacular images of the magnificent river itself.
David Stratton
The Australian
It’s a visual tapestry, stitched together with an intimacy that vividly evokes the sense of camaraderie shared by the campaigners, along with the many discomforts they endured.
Sandra Hall
SMH
Meet the Filmmakers
Kasimir Burgess
Writer / Director
Oliver Cassidy
Principal Cast / Co-Producer
Chris Kamen
Producer
Kasimir Burgess
Writer / Director
Kasimir's inquisitive nature has led him to explore many forms of filmmaking, mining the territory between art, music and film. His work has been awarded at Raindance, Tiburon and The Berlinale.
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