Evocative film captures the cultural value of threatened Jarrah forests
The Foundation’s Fellows Interview Series, led by LFA Ambassador Crosbie Lorimer, highlights the innovative work being undertaken by recipients of our annual Fellowship Program.
In the second video of the series, Crosbie interviews Daniel Jan Martin, Perth-based landscape architect and lecturer at the University of Western Australia. Daniel was one of the Foundation’s two 2024 Fellows. Daniel’s project, titled Jarrah, explores the deep and enduring connection between the Jarrah forests and the Noongar people.
An evocative five-minute film, Jarrah features voice-over narration by Noongar elder, Dr Noel Nannup, with hand-drawn animation by Daniel and Clancy Martin.
Supported by the LFA Fellowship
Daniel has used his $10,000 LFA Fellowship to explore film as a medium of environmental communication, expanding on his previously published work, Forest Atlas. As Daniel comments in the interview, creating a book drew on his skills in writing, mapping, drawing and photography but creating an animated film took him into new creative territory.
Regular check-ins between Daniel and LFA Directors, particularly in the early stages of the project, generated a productive two-way flow of ideas.
“It’s been great to have conversations with all the members of the Foundation … to get their wisdom and perspectives on the project as it’s evolv(ed)…” Daniel commented.
Looking ahead
Supporting the production of Jarrah is a great example of how the LFA Fellowship can benefit an early to mid-career practitioner. Daniel’s knowledge and experience in communicating about and advocating for the protection of the South West Forests of WA fueled his drive to explore creative filmmaking as a way to reach a wider audience.
Jarrah will be premiered in early 2026 and shared across LFA’s social media as well as via Daniel’s Instagram. The goal is to make many people aware of the great cultural value of the Jarrah forests and to appreciate the magnitude of the threats they face. We also aim to influence the decision makers who will ultimately determine how the Jarrah forests are managed.
Stay tuned for more conversations in the Fellows Interview Series as we feature the individuals supported by LFA who will play leading roles in guiding and implementing Australia’s urban green infrastructure.