Experiencing Interruptions?

Burnt Country

Could Australia’s past help secure its future? 65,000 years in the making, Burnt Country is about fighting fire, with fire.

Exploring the profound knowledge and wisdom of First Nations, this film is an invitation to connect to country and community.

  • Kirsten Slemint
    Director
    HaMidbar
  • Kirsten Slemint
    Producer
    HaMidbar
  • Piotr Zuchniewicz
    Editor
  • Umberto Gaudino
    Composer
  • Em Edwards
    Sound Designer
  • Karolina Matela
    Colourist
    HaMidbar
  • James Shaw
    Key Cast
  • Kirsten Slemint
    Cinematographer
    HaMidbar
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Culture, Environment, People, Australia, Indigenous
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 8, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    6,200 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia, United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - National Film and Television School
  • Grierson Documentary Awards

    United Kingdom
    November 9, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Student Academy Awards

    United States
    October 29, 2024
    Official Selection
  • BAFTA Student Awards
    Los Angeles
    United States
    July 12, 2024
    Official Selection
  • ALTEFF

    India
    November 22, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Festival de Ménigoute

    France
    November 3, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Vaasa Wildlife Film Festival
    Vaasa
    Finland
    September 25, 2024
    Finalist
  • Sunrise Film Festival
    Lowestoft
    United Kingdom
    August 1, 2024
    Best Student Short
  • Earth Connection Film Festival
    Indiana
    United States
    July 20, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Naturvision

    Germany
    July 18, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Accessibility & Environment Film Festival
    Bristol
    United Kingdom
    June 22, 2024
    Best Short Documentary
  • One World Media Awards
    London
    United Kingdom
    June 19, 2024
    Official Selection
  • International Disaster Film Festival (UAFF)
    Ankara
    Turkey
    May 21, 2024
    Turkey Premiere
    Best International Short Documentary
  • Frome International Climate Film Festival
    Frome
    United Kingdom
    May 18, 2024
    Best Student Film
  • International Wildlife Film Festival
    Montana
    United States
    April 20, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Wild and Working Lands Film Festival
    Wyoming
    United States
    March 28, 2024
    Honorable Mention
  • British Film Institute
    London
    United Kingdom
    February 21, 2024
    UK Premiere
Director Biography - Kirsten Slemint

A scientist, journalist and filmmaker, Kirsten Slemint has a keen and curious eye for story.

She is a Shooting PD, Writer, Researcher, and Impact Producer. Her work tends to explore the intersections between people and nature, and is driven by her specific interest in social impact.

During her time at the National Film and Television School, Kirsten directed and produced two short films. HaMidbar (2023) is an award-winning natural history film set in the deserts of Israel, and student BAFTA- and Oscar-nominated Burnt Country (2024) which celebrates the Indigenous practice of cultural burning in Australia.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a non-Indigenous Director, I have been in the extremely privileged position of making this film under the guidance of the South East Nations. Their contributions have brought a depth and nuance which could not have been reached otherwise, and has allowed us to centre the voices and wisdom of our First Nations.

I acknowledge and pay my deepest respect and gratitude to the Melukerdee and Nuenonne tribes of the South East Nations, and the custodians, the Palawa and Lowanna who welcomed me onto their country and generously shared their wisdom, knowledge and culture throughout this film. Mina lawyerte nina, my friends.

On behalf of the entire cast and crew, thank you for watching!

Gratefully,

Kirsty Slemint
Director, Burnt Country