Holding Fire Documentary Trailer Premieres at COP31
Indigenous filmmaker Danielle Maclean unveiled the concept trailer for her feature documentary at the UN climate conference.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Documentary
Live Poll
Should Australia bring back Indigenous fire management to reduce large wildfires?
Warumungu/Luritja filmmaker Danielle Maclean premiered the concept trailer for the feature documentary Holding Fire at COP31 this week. The film follows Aboriginal cultural custodians Dr Otto Campion and Dr Dean Yibarbuk.
Why it matters
The film centers Indigenous fire management knowledge at a major international climate forum, bringing traditional land practices into global climate discussions. Its launch at COP31 places Indigenous leadership in emissions reduction in the international spotlight.
The source describes annual wildfire burn in Arnhem Land as roughly the size of France. The film's production start, scheduled for early 2027, has not been confirmed as to schedule or funding beyond the named supporters.
The players
Danielle Maclean
Warumungu/Luritja filmmaker and director of the documentary Holding Fire.
Brindle Films
Production company behind Holding Fire, developed with support from Screen Australia and Screen Territory.
The details
The concept trailer was shown at COP31 alongside a panel titled Indigenous Leadership in Emissions Reduction, featuring Indigenous leaders from Australia and the Pacific. Holding Fire is being shot on IMAX-compatible cameras by cinematographer Allan Collins ACS, the first Indigenous Australian accredited by the Australian Cinematographers Society.
Timeline
Concept trailer premiered at COP31 during the week of November 10, 2026.
Holding Fire is scheduled to enter production in early 2027.
Big Picture
Holding Fire links traditional Arnhem Land fire management, the practice of restoring cultural burning to reduce destructive wildfire, to the global climate agenda being debated at COP31. It positions Indigenous knowledge as a component of emissions reduction rather than a side topic.
The concept trailer is currently the only public material available, and no release platform or theatrical date has been announced. Audiences can follow the project's development as production begins in early 2027.
The takeaway
Indigenous fire knowledge is increasingly being presented as a practical climate tool, and documentaries like Holding Fire are one way that expertise reaches global audiences. Watch for the completed film as production moves forward in 2027.
What happens next
Holding Fire is scheduled to enter production in early 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Documentary films covering environmental and Indigenous subjects.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IF Magazine.
Live Poll
Should Australia bring back Indigenous fire management to reduce large wildfires?
