WATCH: ‘Sea Country – Malu Lag’ Paints a Portrait of Zenadth Kes / Torres Strait Islanders Fighting for Climate Justice

Outdoor brand Patagonia has released their powerful new film for free online. Follow Kulkalaig woman Tishiko King as she works to protect her homeland.

The Torres Strait is home to a chain of 150 islands that stretch between Papua New Guinea and mainland Australia, each with their own unique geology and history. It’s Sea Country, and it’s home to proud people fighting to protect their homeland.

The plight of the islands was not something I was strongly aware of until I watched Sea Country – Malu Lag for myself. Over fourteen and a half minutes, director Nicole Gormley captures the unfolding plight of the archipelago, and I beat myself up for not knowing more.

The Torres Strait Islands, named Zenadth Kes by the Traditional Owners, is its own distinct place, with culture, stories, and history separate to those of Aboriginal Peoples. In fact, their journey for self determination has been long and ongoing.

But the battle is being fought on multiple fronts, as Lala Gutchen, Erub Meuram Woman and Youth Erub Language Advisor says in the film:

‘The land that my Mum stood on is gone…we’re in the middle of maintaining language and now we have to deal with this climate thing.’

The film is a window into Sea Country, a bountiful place where sparkling reefs host a kaleidoscope of fish and coral. Where families fish for their dinner and bond in the shallows. Yet it’s also a reminder of what there is to lose.

A large coral bleaching event affected reefs in Zenadth Kes as recently as last year, and its low lying coastlines are coming under increasing pressure from rising sea levels. The film’s message is clear: this isn’t a future problem, it’s happening right now.

Tishiko King’s Journey to the Halls of Power

Tishiko King is an advocate for the ocean, for climate, and for Zenadth Kes. As a Kulkalaig woman from Masig Island she is deeply connected to Sea Country and she stars as the film’s protagonist on a journey from Masig, all the way to Dubai for COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

‘What happens domestically, our policy, is dictated by international relations’, she says.

Tish has a background in ocean science and a long history of working with grassroots organisations, including Our Islands Our Home, which legally challenged the Australian Government’s inaction on climate change. Her goal is to redistribute wealth to First Nations communities, fostering both economic justice and self-determination.

‘I hope that by standing up and sharing my story, culture, and connection to the ocean, we are able to amplify the strength and resilience of communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis’, she says.

Tishiko King – climate justice defender, marine biologist and proud Kulkalaig woman

Importantly, the film places First Nations leadership at its core. It argues not only for action, but to work with Traditional Custodians every step of the way. To respect the 65,000 years of knowledge and relationship to the land, and the Sea Country.

Despite winning the legal challenge, Our Islands Our Home has yet to see compensation from the Australian Government for its role in worsening the effects of climate change. This is despite a billion Australian dollar Loss and Damage Fund that went live at COP28.

Zenadth Kes is considered part of Australia and is not able to directly receive money from this fund, despite being on the receiving end of the impacts it’s intended to tackle. It’s just one strong example of how important the fight for climate justice and self determination continues to be.

Protect Australia’s Ocean for Good

Fittingly, Sea Country – Malu Lag premiered on Masig Island late last year, but it’s now available to watch in the comfort of your own home. Be warned, you’re going to want to dive the reefs of Zenadth Kes by the time it’s done.

The film concludes Marine Life, a collection of short films in eight parts, aimed at highlighting and inspiring ocean protection around the globe.

In Australia, Sea Country – Malu Lag comes with its own call to action: join the Just Futures Collab, an Indigenous-led giving circle dedicated to climate justice and equipping local community leaders with the tools they need to create a better future.

‘I’m not going to throw it away ‘cause I’ve got family, that I share fish with,’ Lala says as she reels in a Coral Cod. A potent reminder that not only does the ocean heal us and balance the atmosphere, but it also provides for us, especially the residents of Zenadth Kes.