CHasing Shadows
lessons
from the
undergrowth
On a hunt for the ‘extinct’ Thylacine, the Tasmanian Tiger, a filmmaker confronts the untamed wilds and some uncomfortable truths of his own story.
Film Category: Documentary
Director: Andy DelVecchio
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'Chasing Shadows' explores the ongoing search for the Tasmanian Tiger, or thylacine, a creature that has been officially extinct for over 80 years. Through the personal experiences of an ex-tour guide and two dedicated searchers, the narrative delves into the legends and folklore surrounding the thylacine, blending elements of desperation, belief, and a yearning to connect with nature. As they embark on a challenging journey through Tasmania’s wild landscapes, the searchers face both physical dangers and internal struggles, leading to moments of tension, camaraderie, and self-reflection.
'Their pursuit of the thylacine becomes less about finding the creature itself and more about understanding human connection to nature and the existential threat to wildlife and wild places. 'Chasing Shadows' raises questions about conservation, folklore, and our role in preserving the planet, ultimately suggesting that while that whether or not the thylacine roams freely, it leaves an indelible mark on Tasmania’s identity and the people who seek its existence.
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For thirty years, the story of the Thylacine, the Tasmanian Tiger, has followed me as a tour guide and then a filmmaker, and hearing one in the bush, not far from my home, set me on a quest to find a way to tell its story.
I managed to, but not in the way I imagined. That's fly-on-the-wall documentary filmmaking for you!
What followed was a decade-long journey of trying to find a way to tell the story I lived through, in the editing of this filmmaking documentary…and eventually, I did!
Andy DelVecchio - Director
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The final cut of this film is complete. It has been independently funded by us to the point where we could enter the cut into some film awards (won a couple) and show our friends…
However, we want the film to be seen far and wide, and for that it needs some finishing touches to the sound and colour, and mastering into formats suitable for cinema projection (DCPs) and streaming services.
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Andy DelVecchio is a Community and corporate documentary filmmaker and Screen and Media teacher based in Launceston Tasmania. He has a long background in storytelling from tour guiding, teaching and filmmaking over 3 decades.
As director and/or producer, Andy has completed many documentaries and some dramas in short form, some of which have been screened by Australian broadcasters (ABC, ABC 2, ABC 24, SCTV, Ch.31) and has recently released a Documentary Podcast Series - The Secret Story of Nutmeg.
Chasing Shadows is Andy’s first feature film.
