Lismore's Flood Recovery Journey Chronicled in Award-Winning 'Floodland'
Lismore, a town nestled in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Australia, became the epicenter of devastating flooding events in 2022. On February 28, 2022, the Wilsons River surged to its highest recorded level of 14.4 meters, causing widespread home inundation and leaving many residents stranded. Just a month later, a second major flood struck, with the river reaching 11.4 meters.
These twin disasters were starkly described as "once-in-a-generation" floods occurring within an unprecedented short period.
The challenging recovery journey of the Lismore community following these events is now illuminated in the compelling new documentary, "Floodland." Directed by Jordan Giusti, the film premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in 2025.
'Floodland' Receives Sustainable Future Award
The documentary garnered significant recognition, receiving the prestigious $40,000 Sustainable Future Award at its premiere. This accolade highlights the film's crucial contribution to raising awareness about climate change and its profound human impact.
"Floodland" intimately follows several Lismore residents as they navigate the aftermath of the floods and bravely seek a path forward for their resilient town. Among them are Eli Roth, Harper Dalton, and Bundjalung-Yiman woman Carlie Atkinson. Eli Roth, initially determined to stay despite battling post-traumatic stress, ultimately made the heartbreaking decision to relocate. In contrast, Harper Dalton channeled her experiences into local politics and activism, successfully becoming an elected member of the Lismore City Council in October 2024. Carlie Atkinson, alongside Bundjalung Elder Uncle Roy Gordon, brings to light the critical unheeded Indigenous knowledge regarding sustainable living on flood plains.
Director's Vision: Collaborative Storytelling from an Outsider's Lens
Director Jordan Giusti's approach to filmmaking was deeply organic and collaborative. Over three years and eight trips to Lismore, he met participants naturally, fostering trust and genuine connections. An outsider to Lismore, Giusti aimed to represent the complex political, environmental, and historical dimensions of the town's flood challenges.
Giusti was motivated by the striking disparity between urban awareness of climate issues and the profound devastation experienced in regional communities like Lismore, seeking to bring these struggles to a wider Australian audience.
He deliberately refers to the individuals in the film as "participants" rather than "subjects," emphasizing their active role in shaping the narrative. Giusti involved them directly in the filmmaking process, from reviewing rough cuts to examining raw footage, ensuring both trust and accurate representation of their stories.
Lessons for Resilience: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge
The documentary powerfully explores the human impact of climate change. It proposes that communities can adapt and build resilience by thoughtfully incorporating Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices. This central theme offers vital insights for future preparedness.
Lismore's vulnerability to flooding continues, as tragically evidenced by another flood in March 2025, which saw the Wilsons River reach 9.31 meters due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
"Floodland" is currently in cinemas, offering a poignant and timely examination of a community's struggle, resilience, and the urgent need for adaptive strategies in a changing climate.