This compelling ten-minute film dives deep into the urgent mission to restore Tasmania's rapidly declining kelp forests, a direct casualty of climate change. The documentary follows the life and work of Mick Baron and Karen Gowlett-Holmes, owners of the Eaglehawk Dive Centre, who have been front-line witnesses and activists to the massive destruction of the giant kelp forests.

Over the decades, they have seen these once-bountiful ecosystems dwindle and have dedicated their lives to understanding, researching, and restoring these critical marine habitats. Directed by marine biologist and filmmaker Stefan Andrews, Reviving Giants is a harmonious blend of science, human determination, and mesmerising underwater cinematography. Andrews is known for his artistic approach to marine conservation storytelling, and through this film he emphasises the transformative power of direct interaction with underwater environments, inspiring viewers to recognise their own capacity to contribute to meaningful change.

Reviving Giants tells a powerful story of persistence, shedding light on the relentless efforts of Mick and Karen to restore the kelp forests of Tasmania. “Through Reviving Giants, I wanted to tell the story of Mick and Karen's tireless efforts to revive Tasmania's kelp forests while highlighting the urgent need for all of us to engage in protecting these precious ecosystems," Andrews said. As Tasmania's kelp forests face the existential threat of extinction due to warming sea temperatures, the film's debut arrives at a critical juncture. Not only does it spotlight this underreported issue but also serves as a rallying call to protect and rehabilitate these endangered ecosystems before it's too late.

The restoration efforts highlighted in this film are a collaborative initiative by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), Sea Forest and Eaglehawk Dive Centre. These organisations amalgamate innovative science, passion, and a deep understanding of the giant kelp biology in their commitment to restoring these underwater forests. Reviving Giants is a remarkable testament to the power of dedicated individuals in the fight against climate change. It's a moving portrait of resilience, a tribute to Tasmania's stunning marine life, and an urgent plea for collective action. The film is presented by the Great Southern Reef Foundation (GSRF), an innovative collective of scientists, educators, and storytellers, on a mission to deepen societal understanding of Australia’s kelp forests.

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The foundation's vision is to connect, educate, and inspire society to become active caretakers of these valuable marine environments. This collaboration for the film aligns with the GSRF's strategic focus on amplifying education, community engagement, and scientific knowledge. “Community engagement is integral to the foundation's objectives,” said GSRF co-founder, IMAS researcher and co-producer of Reviving Giants, Scott Bennett.

“Through creating and sharing original visual content, we’re bringing the Great Southern Reef into focus, building public awareness and fostering grassroots involvement with temperate reefs.” This strategy aims to forge robust connections between communities and the Great Southern Reef, fostering active participation and stewardship across a spectrum of environmental, social, and cultural activities.

Reviving Giants will be premiered in Hobart, at an event co-hosted by Environment Tasmania on Wednesday 2 August at Simple Cider. The film screening will be complemented by another unreleased GSRF film and followed by a Q and A session with Mick Baron, Karen Gowlet-Holmes, Scott Bennett and Sam Elsom.