Catch 1 of 3 Free Screenings of ‘Run for Country’ About the Fight to Save NSW’s Pilliga Forest

A new documentary, Run for Country, shines a light on the community fight to save NSW’s largest inland forest, the Pilliga Forest, from a major gas project.

For the last three years in September, trail runners, environmentalists, and First Nations people have headed to Gomeroi Country in western NSW, and met on the remote and dusty trails of the Pilliga Forest.

They’re gathering for the Pilliga Ultra, a weekend of running, community, celebration, nature, and resistance organised by For Wild Places. It’s a weekend in which people from all over Australia run between 10-50km through NSW’s largest inland forest while raising awareness and funds for the fight to save the area from Santos’ approved Narrabri Gas Project.

During the 2025 Pilliga Ultra, a documentary was filmed about the race and the broader, ongoing community campaign to save the region from the destruction of the fossil fuel industry.

Run for Country, directed by Ryan Kennedy, showcases the long-standing movement and unlikely coalition of First Nations leaders, trail runners, families, farmers, nurses, retirees, and young activists fighting to prevent up to 850 coal seam gas wells from being dug throughout 95,000 hectares of forest.

Run for Country NSW Screenings

Run for Country was made possible thanks to funding from Paddy Pallin and Ben & Jerry’s, and the three upcoming screenings around NSW are thanks to Ben & Jerry’s too, who are regular supporters of Australia’s environmental fights, including the current campaign to Save the Southern Sea.

The screenings are free (!), although tickets are limited so make sure you reserve yours beforehand.

Attendees will be treated to free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, plus the chance to win prizes from Stone and Wood, Heaps Normal, CLIF, and Love Tea. 

There’ll be a Q&A with the cast and creators of the film at each screening as well as a the chance to email NSW Premier, Chris Minns, to tell him to stop the Narrabri Gas Project.

Narrabri, Gomeroi Country

Date: Saturday 28th of February
Time: 6pm doors open
Location: The Crossing Cinema
Guest speakers:

• Sally Hunter – Lock the Gate
• Suellyn Tighe – Gomeroi Campaigner
• Anna Christie – North West Protection Advocacy

Tickets

Byron Bay, Bundjalung Country

Date: Tuesday 3rd of March
Time: 5:30pm doors open
Location: Stone & Wood Brewery
Guest speakers:

• Ryan Kennedy – Director
• Caleb Rook – Runner 

Tickets

Sydney, Cammeraygal Country

Date: Thursday 19th of March
Time: 6pm doors open
Location: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
Guest speakers:

• Nic Clyde – Lock the Gate
• Lisa Blair – Runner
• Bubbly Weatherall – Gomeroi campaigner

Tickets

Don’t miss your chance to learn more about this precious country and join the fight to save it from destruction.

Feature photo by @kateproctor__