The Dolphin Dilemma
a groundbreaking documentary
The Dolphin Dilemma is a brand-new, groundbreaking documentary exploring the impact of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems and endangered species. In this thought-provoking piece, the plight faced by the critically endangered Burrunan dolphin is exposed, and the question is asked: how can we fight the devastating impacts of climate change?
The Dolphin Dilemma has now been accepted into 86 international Film Festivals across 28 counties, winning over 55 awards!
We are so pleased to now announce The Dolphin Dilemma is now doing the film festival circuit and is already receiving accolades. This thought-provoking documentary looking at the impacts of global climate change and freshwater skin disease in our critically endangered Gippsland Lakes Burrunan dolphin, aims to raise awareness of the increasing threat and conservation concern of the species and their environment.
MMF’s Dr Kate, Chantel, and Amber take you on the journey of our research documenting the latest impacts of the freshwater skin disease and environmental change that has recently caused a mass mortality event in this already fragile population.
Brilliantly produced by Olivia Andrus-Drennen from Big Sky Genesis Productions and based on a collaborative paper with Dr Padraig Duignan, Dr Nahiid Stephens and MMFs Dr Kate Robb, published in Nature Scientific Reports, defining freshwater skin disease based on several case studies in the Gippsland Lakes and Swan Canning, WA.
You can read the original study that sparked the creation of this film here: Fresh water skin disease in dolphins: a case definition based on pathology and environmental factors in Australia.
Check our our previous stories on the filming of the documentary, Lights, Camera, Action: a documentary on fresh water skin disease and the FWSD paper, You can also check out one of the reviews of the feature from the Indie Short Fest.
Charity Screening
Come and join the Marine Mammal Foundation and FOGL for a charity screening of the short documentary The Dolphin Dilemma and an update from MMF’s Dr Kate on the current research on the critically endangered and iconic Gippsland Lake Burrunan dolphin.
Your attendance supports a great cause, with ticket sales and donations directly contributing to the MMF research team undertaking our seasonal research surveys to monitor this ongoing issue as it unfolds. The seasonal surveys have enabled our long-term study of the Burrunan dolphin’s population status, calving rates, behaviour and distribution, and most importantly, the threats impacting the population to be better understood. From this work, MMF has reported to governing bodies, the scientific community, and the wider public, to spread awareness and champion conservation efforts. Alarmingly, at this crucial time, the program is completely unfunded, and we are staring down the barrel of this extinction event blind with our hands tied.
Dr Kate and Amber will give an update on the cutting-edge research currently being undertaken on the Gippsland Lakes Burrunan dolphin, which have sadly been impacted once again by freshwater skin disease, leading to a mass mortality event. With an estimated 30 resident dolphins remaining, coupled with the highest detected levels of toxicants globally, our concerns of a localised extinction event are very real. The documentary is not publicly available yet so the charity screening offer a unique viewing opportunity.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to see The Dolphin Dilemma, delve into the world of these majestic creatures, and play your part in the future conservation of the critically endangered and iconic Burrunan dolphin!
Date: 9th March 2025 Date: 10th March 2025
Time: 11am - 12.30pm & 5pm Time: 5pm
Location: The Slipway, Lakes Entrance Location: St. Marys Church Hall, Bairnsdale
Festival Awards
