Dr Chadden Hunter has spent a lifetime exploring the wildest corners of the world, and now he’s headed to Ginninderry. Photo: Supplied.
A high-profile nature filmmaker who has worked alongside Sir David Attenborough for 20 years has been lured to Canberra by the call of a festival of art, nature and sustainability at Ginninderry, along with Australia’s favourite Heeler – Bluey.
Dr Chadden Hunter, who has spent a lifetime exploring the wildest corners of the world documenting everything from snow leopards in Pakistan to tribal ceremonies in Africa, is headed to Canberra for Inspire Festival – a free community event to be held later this week in Strathnairn.
He will share parts of the inspiring story that led him from growing up amid the natural beauty of North Queensland to producing and directing some of the world’s most seminal nature documentaries, including Planet Earth 1 and 2, LIFE, Wild Arabia, Frozen Planet and Seven Worlds, One Planet, which have won over 20 Bafta and Emmy awards.
Chadden will also talk about conservation, sustainability and whether the big glossy documentaries he produces “actually do anything to inspire real change”.
“Someone once described them as the world’s most expensive screensaver. I thought ‘Ouch’ – but I also think it’s a worthy debate to have,” he says.
“In celebrating nature in these beautiful, awe-inspiring experience pieces, are we sending the right message? Should we focus more on the plight? How can we reach the maximum number of hearts and minds without paralysing people with despair? It’s a balancing act with humanity, and something I think the Inspire audience will be interested in.”
Inspire audiences will also be treated to some of Chadden’s stunning multi-media assets, including some never-before-seen footage.
“I wouldn’t do this for most audiences, but given the nature of the event, this audience might be my kind of tribe,” he says.
In its second year, Inspire has shifted from the Ginninderry display village to Strathnairn Arts, giving the festival more scope to showcase local art and the arts precinct itself and a chance to come into its own.
The event kicks off this Friday (6 September) with the Brindabella Sunset Session. Visitors are invited to pack a picnic or purchase food and drink and enjoy it along with live blues and roots music as they watch the sunset over the Brindabellas. Guests can also wander through the exhibition for the annual people’s choice competition Squares and cast their votes.
The festival continues on Saturday (7 September), when visitors will have the chance to learn more about a sustainable lifestyle, get closer to nature, enjoy local art or simply enjoy a fun day out with the family.
Don’t miss your chance to come face-to-face with Australia’s favourite Heeler – Bluey. Photo: Hannah-Puechmarin.
In addition to Chadden Hunter, there will be some other exciting guest speakers, including writer and comedian Craig Reucassel, best known for his work with The Chaser and The War on Waste.
A guest appearance by Bluey is sure to be a huge hit with the kids. Families will have an opportunity to meet Bluey for plenty of smiles, photos and a little “flossing” – but spaces are limited.
Guest appearances aside, you can find inspiration from local artists, soak up some live music, sample food and products from local artisans and producers and learn new things in workshops and activities designed for all ages.
One of the activations will incorporate Strathnairn Arts Open Studios, where people can meet the precinct’s artists.
“It will be nice for people to have a chance to wander around to see what the talented artists in residence are doing at Strathnairn Arts,” Ginninderry’s Marcus Mills-Smith says.
Other workshops will include Creative First Aid, where authors Caitlin Marshall and Lizzie Rose unpack the art of making things to benefit mental health, basket weaving, nature art and the opportunity to decorate your own soup bowl.
Aussie writer and comedian Craig Reucassel (The Chaser, The War on Waste) will join the list of special guests at the Ginninderry Inspire Festival. Photo: Supplied.
“We want to make Inspire the personification of the community out here and put it on show. We have Ngunnawal artists lined up to run community painting workshops, and the outcome will be the backdrop for the Santa photos we’ll take this year at our Christmas celebrations. So there are throughlines of involving the community in events with some longevity,” Marcus says.
“Inspire is a grounded community event where you can come and feel what the ethos of Ginninderry is all about.”
Inspire Festival 2024 takes place on Friday, 6 September, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday, 7 September, from 10 am to 2 pm at Strathnairn Arts precinct, Gullifer Street, Strathnairn.
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