A visually inspiring documentary which follows a group of Noosa artists immersed in a 10-day green-art project is one of several stunning films to screen at the Noosa Biosphere Day celebrations on September 19.

The film, called Catchment, documents six members of art co-operative Catchment Collective as they create momentary environmental sculptures on a rugged Tinbeerwah hinterland property.

Film-maker Peter Rogers said the film provides an insight into the processes and philosophies behind green-art, a burgeoning international movement which combines conservation values and creative aesthetics.

“We see the artists progressively at work as they produce pieces of art made from natural materials, most of which come from the Tinbeerwah property itself,” he said.

“The art is never intended for exhibition in a gallery – its moment of glory is when it reaches completion for the artist.

“It's then allowed to deteriorate and dissipate back into its original state.”

Mr Rogers said one of the highlights of the film is artist Wendy McGrath's oyster shell sculpture, which has a phosphorous coating that reacts with the rising full moon and begins to glow in the dark.

“Wendy used local, natural materials – the area was actually once underwater – and what you might call cosmic forces to bring her work to life,” he said.

“Right in the middle of the bush there was this amazing, glowing sculpture which lit up the area.

“It was so different, so unusual and just breathtaking to watch and be a part of.”

Catchment will screen in the Biosphere Day film tent along with documentaries about Australia's Noosa, Fitzgerald and Great Sandy Biospheres, Britain's North Devon Biosphere and other contributions from local community groups.

The Exhibition is being organised by Julie Allan and Maggie Third of the Noosa Biosphere Cultural Sector Board. 

Ms Third said the collection, procured by Noosa Federation of the Arts Chairman Meg Lawrence, would raise awareness and understanding of the Biosphere concept.

“A Biosphere is more than just environmentalism and conservation – it's about people living, working and playing sustainably,” she said.

“Each of these films gives an insight into their respective Biospheres using the timeless vehicles of creativity and art.

“This will be the collection's first screening in Australia before it travels among the family of Biospheres across the nation and around the world.”

Ms Third said the collection also includes a documentary about the Noosa Biosphere, An Invitation to Share, which has garnered international praise at overseas screenings.

“This film, produced by Noosa Federation of the Arts, is unique in that it was the first in the world made for a Biosphere showing humans interacting with the environment,” she said.

“Man and the Biosphere Program Secretary Natarajan Ishwaran requested it be shown to other Biospheres as a template for film-makers.

“It is a reminder that art is a language that transcends all barriers and invites other Biospheres to share their art and culture with the rest of the world.”

DATE: Sunday 19 September, 2010

TIME: 10am to 4pm

LOCATION: Noosa Biosphere Day,  Noosa Woods (end of Hastings Street)