“Kangaroo” is a love-hate story. From the heart of Australia comes this comprehensive and controversial documentary that focuses on one of the world's most recognizable icons, the kangaroo.
This groundbreaking film reveals the truth surrounding Australia’s love-hate relationship with its beloved icon. The kangaroo ‘image’ is proudly used by top companies, sports teams and tourist souvenirs, yet as they hop across the vast continent, many consider them pests to be shot and sold for profit.
“Kangaroo” unpacks a national paradigm where the relationship with kangaroos is examined.
“We knew opinion was split around this famous icon and that would make an interesting story but once we started the research and interviews were surprised to learn that millions of kangaroos are shot each year as so-called pests and sold for profit,” said directors Mick McIntyre and Kate McIntyre Clere. “It seemed incongruous to us that Australians who are immensely proud to hold up the kangaroo as their beloved national symbol would sanction their nightly killing.”
“As Australians we do not want to imagine our country without kangaroos. It is timely that people across the world know what is going on with this internationally celebrated icon and ask the question why are Australians not responding to what is happening on their doorstep?”
“A must-see!” — The Santa Barbara Independent
“This story needed to be told.” — Virginia McKenna, Born Free Foundation