‘Out of the Mud’
Documentary [in production]
We are gratefully receiving donations to support our production. To make a tax-deductible donation to our production please click below.
‘Out of the Mud’, a locally produced feature-length documentary, takes us on a journey through the flood torn communities of the Northern Rivers, behind closed doors and into the minds and hearts of those whose lives were upended by the catastrophic floods in February and March of this year. This documentary examines the intensifying crises across the region, uncovering a veritable pandora’s box of inequity—social, racial, economic, and environmental all unfolding against the backdrop of a third La Nina forecast for the upcoming months. What will ultimately come ‘Out of the Mud’ — is an unfinished story— but could the Northern Rivers emerge from this disaster more resilient, equitable and regenerative than ever? ‘Out of the Mud’ proposes that the solutions are here, if embrace them.
Cheryl and David, Tucki Tucki NSW | Image Credit: Olivia Katz
Synopsis
On February 28th 2022, a catastrophic storm converged over the Northern Rivers and set into motion the worst flood in modern Australian history -- displacing many thousands of people over night. As rivers converged and levees overtopped, the ocean swelled, and hills collapsed, the streets became raging brown rivers, taking with them everything in sight.
While graphic images of the floods clearly showed a region in crisis, many months on, the region finds itself in tangled in entirely new crisis. Desolate streets and quiet suffering, shell-shocked, and reckoning with immense grief and endless uncertainties, these communities now face a confounding tangle of hoops to jump through without adequate leadership, support or communication from their local, state and federal governments.
Without viable alternatives, the region has witnessed thousands of people move back into their flood prone, gutted and mould filled homes, many now living without access to heating, water, or even electricity. Thousands of others, the renters, remain stuck in temporary accommodation 8+ months on, sheds, shacks, pods, caravans, motels, and campsites remain packed to the brim with flood refugees.
There is an urgent need for safe, affordable housing outside of the flood plain as well as immediate support for those continuing to live in compromised situations. In many ways, things appear to be getting worse for those who have been flood affected in the Northern Rivers, but it does not have to be this way. There are solutions and there is a path forward, we just need to forge it ourselves.
Overview of acts:
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.
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.
the BIG picture
Yes, this film is about the Northern Rivers. But the Northern Rivers as a case study, of a region on the front lines of climate change, with thousands living under constant threat of catastrophe. The Northern Rivers right now -- is in many ways, an example of what not to do, how not to build and the failings of inadequate recovery mechanisms. But the Northern Rivers could become an example of how a community met disaster with innovation, learned from a major climate event and shifted, learnt and grew to meet increasing threat of intensifying weather events. The Northern Rivers could be the region in Australia that "got it right -- first" - an example to the rest of the country (and the world) struggling with ongoing flooding, bushfires and drought. People would come from far and wide to witness what the Northern Rivers had done.
St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore NSW during the flood | Image Credit: NR Aerial Photography
A resident carrying possessions through flood waters in Woodburn | Image Credit: Olivia Katz
“People are suffering and they need a sustainable path forward, one that prioritises their safety and well-being, as well as that of the natural environment. The people I have met along this journey are incredible; they are resourceful, generous and giant-hearted, amidst the chaos we have witnessed the immense strength of our communities, the courage of our rescuers and volunteers, innovation and selfless collaboration. These flood survivors are some of the most beautiful people I have ever met, this film is dedicated to them, and all who have been touched by natural disasters like them.”
- Olivia Katz
“ “The fate of the Northern Rivers is yet to be decided, and while its future looks murky at the moment, it is without a doubt that a more resilient, equitable, and regenerative vision for both nature and community can emerge from the wreckage of this disaster - from Out of the Mud.””
A flood damaged home in Lismore, NSW | Image Credit: Olivia Katz
Support the Documentary
We have accomplished approximately 25% of our filming, with much of the 'ongoing crises' phase of filming covered. We have been predominantly self-funded thus far but we need financial support to get our production 'Out of the Mud' across the finish line.
To make a donation via our GoFundMe please click below or to inquire about making a tax-deductible donation please email Olivia@theheartatlas.com (that’s me!)
