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In today's episode, I interview Kirsten Slemint, the director of the short film "Burnt Country" which explores the threat of wildfire in Australia and the indigenous population who works hard to help manage the threat. The film was a finalist for the 2024 Student Academy Awards.

Listen to hear about the editorial decision to juxtapose fire with water throughout the film, the importance of strategic cultural burns in managing wildfire risk, and how to manage shooting in remote locations as one person wearing all the hats of a complex production.

Books mentioned in this episode include:

• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Films mentioned in this episode include:

• "Burnt Country" directed by Kirsten Slemint
• All That Breathes directed by Shaunak Sen
• Past Lives directed by Celine Song
• We Are Still Here directed by Beck Cole, Dena Curtis, Tracey Rigney, Danielle MacLean, Tim Worrall, Renae Maihi, Miki Magasiva, Mario Gaoa, Richard Curtis, and Chantelle Burgoyne
• Mrs. Doubtfire directed by Chris Columbus
• Dead Poets Society directed by Peter Weir

"Burnt Country" just screened at the Santa Fe International Film Festival and will be at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival this coming weekend. It is currently showing at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in Monterrey, Mexico and Australia Independent Film Festival in Kirsten's home town of Brisbane, Australia. Later this fall you can check out the film at the Canberra Short Film Festival November 6th-20th, the Ealing Film Festival November 25th-30th, and All Living Things Environmental Film Festival November 22nd-December 8th. 

Follow Kirsten on Instagram @kirstygrimm and the film @burnt__country.

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