The Circle Wins Best Call to Action at Far South Film Festival
Braidwood filmmaker and director Clare Young and the team behind THE CIRCLE: Fire as a Tool for Healing Country and Community have been recognized at the 2026 Far South Film Festival, winning the festival's Best Call to Action Award.
The documentary screened to a packed festival audience at The Twyford Theatre in Merimbula on Saturday 15 August, where it was featured among films from regional and remote filmmakers across Australia. Among a strong First Nations presence in Session One "As it Happened" - THE CIRCLE played alongside other award-winning films, including MY FRIEND ARTEMIS (Best Youth Film), GAGA WAKULDA (Best Diversity), TALLAGANDA & BEYOND (Best Documentary), and SALTWATER HOME (Best Technical Achievement and Best South East Film).
In this impressive field, THE CIRCLE stood out for its powerful message about traditional burning, community collaboration and caring for Country, earning the festival's Best Call to Action Award in recognition of films that inspire positive change.
Filmed between 2022 and 2024, the short documentary follows traditional burning workshops led by Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council in partnership with Walbunja Rangers, the Mongarlowe Volunteer Bushfire Brigade and the local Mongarlowe community. Through these collaborations, the film showcases the value of First Nations traditional knowledge and practices, and its role in building healthier landscapes and stronger communities.
Festival organisers described the film as "a real testament to the power of community and the knowledge holders of cultural burning" and praised its strong call to action. The award, presented by Far South Film Inc President Murray Vanderveer, included a $250 cash prize sponsored by author and environmental advocate Jamie D. Shaw.
This recognition follows the film's earlier selection for the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival in July this year, marking another outstanding achievement for Clare Young, Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council, and everyone involved in the project. Congratulations to the entire team on this success.
