Following its standing ovation during Melbourne International Film Festival last month, director Damon Gameau’s latest feature documentary ‘Future Council’ continued to captivate and inspire an all-ages audience at a private screening hosted by Alberts | The Tony Foundation last week – shining a spotlight on the role of young voices in climate action.
The opulent Ritz Cinemas in Sydney’s Randwick came alive last week for a memorable private screening of director Damon Gameau’s powerful new feature documentary, Future Council, which brings young voices to the forefront of the climate conversation.
“The film is a reminder of how much we can learn from, and how important it is to listen to, the next generation,” said the night’s host Ingrid Albert, executive director at Alberts, and head of The Tony Foundation. “And it’s all done through the power of storytelling and creativity – both integral to what makes us human, what makes this world a better, more vibrant place.”
The audience was captivated by ‘Future Council’.
The evening revolved around the power of storytelling to drive positive change. Over 90 guests, including Damon Gameau and his Regen Studios co-founder Anna Kaplan, fifth and sixth generation members of the Albert family, and a community of philanthropists and impact investors – some with their children – gathered for the event, which opened with a Welcome to Country ceremony by Arrernte and Barkindji Elder, Brendan Kerin. Brendan emphasised Aboriginal Australians’ deep connection with the land and their ancient Songlines – one which he shared via his Yidaki (commonly known as didgeridoo) – while calling for collective responsibility to protect our planet.
Arrernte and Barkindji Elder, Brendan Kerin, performed a moving Welcome to Country ceremony.
As guests settled in over popcorn and choc tops, Brendan’s words on stewardship reflected throughout the screening of Future Council. Introduced by Damon – the director behind top-grossing documentaries That Sugar Film and 2040 – the film follows the actor-turned-director-and-activist as he journeys across Europe with a group of eight boisterous 10 to 14-year-old climate champions in a vegetable oil-powered yellow school bus. Their mission? To hold major corporations to account on their environmental impact – and challenge their leaders to include young voices in the decision-making that will ultimately shape their futures. Future Council paints an optimistic portrait of a brighter future through the eyes, and actions, of children – should adults truly listen.
Young audience appeared fully engaged by the film’s compelling message.
The audience was eager to hear from one of the film’s young stars, Ruby Rodgers, a Year 8 student from the NSW Southern Highlands, who joined Damon and Ingrid for a post-screening Q&A. Aged just 13 during filming – and already grappling with the eco-anxiety experienced by millions of young people worldwide – Ruby, now 14, spoke candidly about her initial struggle with feeling inadequate compared to her international castmates and the unique superpowers and levels of activism they each bring to the climate cause.
It was a lively crowd inside Sydney’s Ritz Cinemas.
Despite these challenges, Ruby revealed that her journey on the yellow ‘Bumble Bus’ was transformative. Alongside forging lifelong friendships with the international cast, the aspiring singer-songwriter found a powerful outlet, channelling her feelings and fears into emotive poetry and songwriting which features in the film. As Ruby put it, “It was the time of my life.”
Ingrid Albert, Ruby Rodgers and Damon Gameau touched on the power of storytelling in their Q&A.
Ruby’s talent shone brightly as she took the stage to perform two original songs, ‘Build a Future’ and ‘Crisis (Slipping from My Hands),’ with her dad, musician Ben Rodgers, on guitar. Drawing from her rich musical heritage as the granddaughter of Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes and daughter of singer Mahalia Barnes, the Aussie cast member has clearly found a way to use her voice as a powerful tool to advance the climate conversation.
Ruby Rodgers delivered a stirring performance of her original music accompanied by dad Ben Rodgers.
As Damon has said of the young cast: “Everyone has found their own way of making a difference. And storytelling, art, and music are just as important as cleaning up plastic.”
This sentiment resonates with the mission of Regen Studios, a local film production company dedicated to sharing compelling screen-based stories around regeneration. Their work is amplified by robust impact campaigns designed to educate and motivate audiences around how to heal the planet’s ecosystems.
Told through the eyes of eight energetic, bright and authentic young eco-warriors, ‘Future Council’ is “cracking people open”, said director Damon Gameau.
Reflecting our shared vision, Alberts has been supporting Regen Studios since 2023 through its philanthropic arm, The Tony Foundation, underscoring our commitment to backing pioneers dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues through innovative solutions, and celebrating the transformative power of music and the arts.
Ingrid Albert, executive director at Alberts and head of The Tony Foundation.
“At Alberts, we are focussed on creating a positive impact on society, whether that’s on the environment, mental health, equality, or creativity. But we know we can’t do this alone and by partnering with others, we can truly catalyse change,” said Ingrid, summarising the night. “We believe that together – young and old, friends and strangers, parents and children – we all have a part to play in safeguarding the future of this wonderful planet we call home.”
Guests included members of the philanthropy and impact investing community and their children.
The sentiment resonated strongly with attendees, who clapped and cheered as the credits rolled on Future Council. Some inspired parents said they were leaving ready to spark up conversations with their kids about its challenging themes on the drive home – and to support the film’s impact campaign, including Regen Studios’ upcoming plans to bring the ‘future council’ concept off the screen and into boardrooms.
Young audience members engaged in conversation during post-screening festivities at the Ritz Bar.
“Future Council, like all Damon’s films, is empowering,” said Ingrid. “Empowering young people to take matters into their own hands and do something positive, to know that each of them and their individual voices has the power to create change and to help shape a sustainable future.”
Future Council will be in cinemas in Australia in early 2025 and released globally mid 2025.
View some of the magic of the night in the gallery, below (Photos: Tara D’cruz-Noble):
