Giving birth to FOLLOW THE RAIN
The IMAX film FUNGI: WEB OF LIFE can now be seen across the globe. Find out about the screening opportunities in New Zealand this month. Check out our April photography tips, what people are saying after sold-out debut screenings of FOLLOW THE RAIN. Plus, we have an update on our outreach campaign.
The underside of a Boletus sp. see the bottom of this blog for the complete mushroom.
IMAX documentary FUNGI: WEB OF LIFE
Are you looking for a fascinating documentary that delves into the world of fungi? The award-winning IMAX film "FUNGI: WEB OF LIFE" could be screening near you.
This incredible documentary features the international voice of fungi, Merlin Sheldrake, and is narrated with Bjork's lyrical touch. It’s now screening in multiple venues across Denmark, the Netherlands, Czechia, India, USA, Canada, England, and Scotland.
Details here https://www.fungimovie.com/theaters
See Stephen’s April fungi tips for how he photographed this Marasmius mushroom in a breeze.
APRIL SCREENINGS IN NEW ZEALAND
If you're in New Zealand, you're in luck. This month, there are on-demand screenings of FUNGI: WEB OF LIFE in Tauranga, Christchurch, and Auckland. However, these screenings require a minimum of 25 people to be confirmed, so be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible to ensure they happen.
https://nz.demand.film/fungi-web-life/
Tauranga - Date: Wed, Apr 10, 2024 6:30PM
with virtual Q&A Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak
Christchurch - Sun, Apr 21, 2024 4:00PM
with in person Q&A Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak
Auckland - Thu, May 9, 2024 6:00PM
On Demand screenings are also in Canada and the UK.
If you would like to host your own event, you can request a screening.
Narrated by Björk, presented by Merlin Sheldrake, distributor K2 Studios, produced by Stranger than Fiction Films and Definition Studios, directed by Gisela Kaufmann and Joseph Nizeti, written by Catherine Marciniak and Joseph Nizeti and cinematography by Cam Batten. Time-lapses by Stephen Axford, Wim van Egmond and Patrick Healey.
STEPHEN’S APRIL PHOTOGRAPHY TIP - BEATING THE BREEZE
Dear fellow fungi enthusiasts! As a fungi hunter and photographer, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to capture the intricate details of small mushrooms, especially when there's a bit of a breeze. But don't fret, I have a simple trick up my sleeve that can make all the difference.
Aluminium foil is a useful addition to your camera kit
I always carry a piece of aluminum foil in my pocket. Not only can it be used to light up the underside of a mushroom, but it can also act as a nifty wind block.
I recently set up a quick demo on my back veranda to show you how two bits of foil can keep the breeze at bay and provide some reflected lighting underneath the mushroom, highlighting the intricate details of the gills.
When it comes to lighting, it's all about balance. In this case, the top light was a bit too intense, so I used a diffuser to soften it up. If you don't have a diffuser, don't worry. A simple piece of grease-proof paper will do the trick just fine.
The backdrop is just as important as the subject itself. I always try to find a complementary background that will accentuate the colours and textures of your fungal character. In this case, I positioned the small Marasmius mushrooms at a distance from a rock wall. The wall's mottled tones of green moss and deep blue granite provide a stunning and harmonious contrast to the vibrant orange hues of the mushrooms.
So, there you have it. With a bit of creativity and a few simple tools, you can capture stunning photos of even the smallest mushrooms. Happy fungi hunting!
Download our free How to photograph and describe my fungus field guide.
Remember to upload your photographs and observations to iNaturalist to help expand the knowledge of species identification and distribution.
For more advanced photography tips you can stream Stephen Axford’s
Masterclass in macro fungi photography
or watch this free video on YouTube about Focus bracketing with the Sony α7R V.
FOLLOW THE RAIN premiered in Australia in March - we are humbled by the response. https://youtu.be/g5zWr-YilN0
FOLLOW THE RAIN - MORE SCREENINGS ANNOUNCED
We are thrilled to announce that our FOLLOW THE RAIN documentary had three successful debut screenings in Bangalow, Dorrigo, and the next at Pearce's Creek, all drawing sold-out crowds.
The feedback we received from audiences is heartwarming, and we appreciate the support of everyone who attended the screenings. We have been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response to the documentary.
Here’s what people are saying … https://youtu.be/g5zWr-YilN0
For our readers outside of Australia, we are working diligently to bring the documentary to audiences across the world. We will keep you updated with any developments. We hope to have some news for you in the coming months, so stay tuned.
NEXT SCREENINGS …
12/04/2024 – Pearces Creek Talks, screening, supper and Q&A - SOLD OUT
08/06/2024 - Grafton Regional Gallery, Grafton - details coming soon.
21/06/2024 - Narooma Kinema in collaboration with Fungi Feastival
22/06/2024 - Moruya @The Red Door in collaboration with Fungi Feastival
24/06/2024 - The Picture Show Man in Merimbula in collaboration with Fungi Feastival
28/06/2024 - Perry Street Cinemas in Batemans Bay in collaboration with Fungi Feastival
29/06/2024 - Cobargo School of Arts in collaboration with Fungi Feastival
Planet Fungi will be conducting two macro photography workshops at Fungi Feastival.
More details in the coming months.
Watch the official trailer for FOLLOW THE RAIN on YouTube
UPDATE ON THE ‘FOLLOW THE RAIN’ OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
STUDY GUIDE
This month, we received the first draft of the study guide that will accompany school screenings of FOLLOW THE RAIN.
Together, they will be a resource for educators and students who are passionate about the wonders of the natural world. They will help students discover the beauty and importance of fungi and inspire them to explore the world of mycology further.
We are delighted with the progress, and we cannot wait to see the final version.
Planet Fungi’s outreach campaign and study guide is fully financed via a generous donation by Michelle Marie Bailey.
We will keep you updated on the release of FOLLOW THE RAIN into schools and the accompanying study guide.
A mystery mushroom spotted this year in Brisbane, Booyong and Dorrigo, NSW. Australia.
FUNDRAISING FOR FUNGI
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Planet Fungi has allocated $2,000 from our outreach campaign towards funding a national Fungi Conservation Officer position.
As many of you may know, despite threat assessments being done for most plant and animal species in Australia, there has never been one conducted for the fungal kingdom.
This has resulted in the neglect of fungi as an important part of Australia's biodiversity.
However, the non-profit organization Fungimap has been working to change this since 1995.
They have been collaborating with citizen scientists to map fungi across Australia and they have been advocates for more funding for scientific research, and conservation policy.
Fungimap's National Australian Database contains over 100,000 records and 6,500 images of fungi provided by 1,000 contributors nationwide. This database is crucial for research, conservation, and policy purposes.
However, there is a huge gap in Australia for fungal conservation.
Currently there is no one employed within or outside the government to conduct threat assessments for fungi, leaving them far behind plants and animals in terms of a conservation action plan work.
Our contribution towards funding a national Fungi Conservation Officer position will enable Fungimap to make some progress in achieving their long term goal of funding this position so that threat assessments can be conducted for our most vulnerable fungi species.
Additionally, we are proud to share that the Dorrigo screening of FOLLOW THE RAIN raised a further $400 for FUNGIMAP towards this cause.
If you feel moved to donate directly to FUNGIMAP go to
https://fungimap.org.au/get-involved/donate/
Boletus sp.
SUPPORT FUNGI RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION
If you would like to support more research into, and conservation of, this fascinating, important, but understudied area of science, there are three organisations that we partner with, who work tirelessly in these areas.
AUSTRALIA - Big Scrub Conservancy Foundation
INTERNATIONAL - Fungi Foundation
Every little bit helps.
You can also find us on Instagram and YouTube - @Planet_Fungi.
With love and gratitude,
Catherine and Stephen