CANE TOADS: THE CONQUEST
The
South American cane toad's unstoppable journey across the Australian continent
has long been the focus of great controversy and bizarre fascination.
The
cane toad was introduced to Australia in 1935 in an attempt to control the greyback
cane beetle. Unfortunately, the toads were disinclined eat the beetles. Instead,
they set about doing what cane toads do best - multiplying, migrating and thriving.
75
years later, in a country equipped with unprecedented scientific capabilities
and unabated public will to battle the invasion, it seems nothing will stop the
march of the Toad. Science and genetic mutation have failed, so too has physical
aggression. Fences and traps have proved ineffectual, as have natural predators
and topographic barriers.
No other species has occupied a
nation's consciousness like the toad, which has achieved both criminal and cult
status. Throughout history it has proven itself to be the ultimate survivor in
the face of great adversity. It spreads, it grows, it devours.
Cane
Toads: The Conquest explores the history, the science, the human conflict and
the bizarre culture surrounding this notorious environmental blunder. Director
Mark Lewis (Cane Toads: An Unnatural History, The Natural History of the Chicken)
injects his trademark irreverence and humor into a story filled with engaging
characters and incredible first hand accounts.
This is a truly
poignant environmental cautionary tale on the issue of invasive species and human
folly. As the world wrestles with the idea that we have irretrievably altered
our own ecosystem, these bulbous creatures may be the ultimate metaphor for the
inevitable path upon which we have set ourselves.
IN CINEMAS
JUNE 2
www.canetoadstheconquest.com
