What does it take to protect hope itself?
Guardians of Hope
![Guardians of Hope [Official Teaser]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/25d157_ee662d70775e45fcb0dc57b29aaa78ba~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_2328,h_1310,enc_auto/file.jpeg)
The Film
Guardians of Hope is a powerful documentary born from a year-long journey across Oceania, following rangers on the frontlines of conservation and cultural protection.
Filmed during the Walking the Thin Green Line Oceania expedition, the film offers rare insight into the lives, challenges, and quiet strength of those who dedicate themselves to safeguarding the natural world. From remote islands to rainforest interiors, these unsung guardians reveal what it truly means to protect not just land and culture—but hope itself.
"Hope lives where people choose to protect it" Ranger Amanda Dudgeon
Guardians of Hope Official Poster, design by Studio Mirobo 2025.
Meet the Film Maker
Amanda Dudgeon is a park ranger, documentary filmmaker, and Oceania Representative for the International Ranger Federation.
A proud ambassador for the Thin Green Line Foundation, she created Guardians of Hope to shine a light on the everyday heroes safeguarding Oceania’s future.
Amanda Dudgeon at Karagini National Park, during the Walking the Thin Green Line expedition.
Special Melbourne Screening
Friday 5 December, 6:45 pm
The Astor Theatre, St Kilda
This special homecoming screening marks a full-circle moment. Nearly 20 years ago, at this very theatre, the world’s first film about rangers — filmed by a ranger (The Thin Green Line by Sean Willmore) premiered, sparking the creation of the Thin Green Line Foundation. (thingreenline.org.au)
Now, Guardians of Hope continues that legacy — a story by a ranger, for rangers, and about rangers — bringing Oceania’s voices and landscapes to the big screen.
Proudly presented in partnership with the Association of Rangers and Conservationists Victoria (ARCVic), whose members feature in the film and embody the spirit of the Thin Green Line. (arcv.org.au)
Hobart Screening
Thursday 11 December, 6-8pm
State Cinema, North Hobart
This special Tasmanian premiere celebrates the deep connection between the island’s rangers and the global Thin Green Line. Guardians of Hope features Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service rangers whose voices and landscapes help tell Oceania’s story — a story of dedication, courage, and hope.
The Tasmanian Rangers Association (TRA) played a vital role in making this film possible, helping to fund filmmaker and NSW ranger Amanda Dudgeon’s journey to Timor-Leste and hosting her during her time in Tasmania. Their support embodies the solidarity that defines the ranger community — one that transcends borders to protect nature, culture, and each other.
Proudly presented in partnership with the Tasmanian Rangers Association, whose members continue to walk the Thin Green Line every day. (tasrangers.org)
Doors open: 6:00 p.m.
Screening: 6:30 p.m.
Followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Amanda Dudgeon and Tasmanian rangers.
Snacks and merchandise available before and after the event.
Upcoming Screenings
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Canberra - February 2026, World Wetlands Day Film Festival
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Brisbane & Cairns - Date and venue TBC (2026)
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Alice Springs & Darwin - Date and venue TBC (2026)
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Perth - Date and venue TBC (2026)
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Fiji - Date and venue TBC (2026)
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Aotearoa New Zealand (multiple) - Dates and venues TBC (2026)
To book a screening or recommend a film festival email - amanda@walkingthethingreenline.com
![🥾 TRAIL THROWBACK — Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island
📅 4 July 2022 | With Ranger Emma
📊 13km | 875m elevation | 7.5hrs | 166 flights climbed (thanks Apple Watch)
What an epic day. Tackling one of Australia’s most challenging day hikes (...we are claiming) with Ranger Emma was unforgettable — for the views, the conservation, and, yes… the sheer exhaustion. Let’s just say riding bikes back to town post-hike was ambitious. We fell over laughing (and collapsing) in the grass while our much-fitter local guide Jack rode off into the sunset unimpressed by our very cautious descent. 😅
Despite the drama (and a very bossy Woodhen at the summit), the hike was jaw-dropping — passing through the rare, gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. 🌿
Would we recommend it? 100%.
Should you pray first if you’re scared of heights? Also yes.
Was the pizza at the bowls club the best thing we’d ever tasted? Absolutely.
📚 Learn about the incredible Cloud Forest here: [link in comments]
#TrailThrowback #MountGower #LordHoweIsland #OceaniaRangers #CloudForest #ConservationInAction #GuardiansOfHope](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/495531193_684442714342072_5711311990916940839_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=zM637VE9v9sQ7kNvwGYpj5K&_nc_oc=Adm9rXJvYHbk2lFEVTpI5tJdTq_6zo9iyb1WxYvpJ6L_S30_7fJCdHHT2FCL8PQQdMQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=XzJwD6UA1haKcE5Qrsf7Gg&oh=00_Afjy-fS_E4xDVpeaWW4nhhKr7N6Z3MOSqx4u9aQJWskl5Q&oe=69258D19)
![Guardians of Hope [Official Teaser]
🌟🌟 Happy World Ranger Day!🌟🌟
“Hope is not passive wishful thinking. Real hope requires action and engagement” (Dr. Jane Goodall)
From the start of the expedition, the purpose was to be a catalyst for real hope and positive change for Oceania’s rangers. Only when we understand do we care, and only when we care do we act to help. By inspiring understanding for the work, passion and shared purpose of rangers, Guardians of Hope endeavours to generate real hope for our rangers and the incredible places and cultures they protect.
The full feature documentary Guardians of Hope will be officially released on World Ranger Day (July 31) 2025 🎥
Thank you to all the rangers I met during the expedition who continue to inspire and amaze me every day. Thank you for you honesty and courage in entrusting your stores to this documentary.
Thank you to the protected area agencies for allowing their staff to be filmed for the documentary and thank to all the help and support from the network of ranger associations across Oceania.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my wonderful family, the The Thin Green Line Foundation team, my Oceania ranger family and my sponsor Atomos for your continued support.
#WorldRangerDay2024 #GuardiansofHopeOceania #walk4rangers #dangerranger](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/503035034_735050635529156_2690252759941856469_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=iAm5rhIpCSkQ7kNvwE9-trU&_nc_oc=AdkuRA74W6mnIuXEBDbY0da7kZjBxqI1u2YcNnxkZ0AexM3Aiw8iqYdmAXHTpbl0HjY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=XzJwD6UA1haKcE5Qrsf7Gg&oh=00_AfgdHPeYwWvUC01mebpE7hV25CkQou5diQ-IwurlzySxhA&oe=692567A7)
The Journey
In 2022–23, Amanda Dudgeon travelled through eight countries in Oceania, meeting and learning from rangers who stand on the frontlines of conservation and culture. The Walking the Thin Green Line Oceania expedition was more than a physical journey—it was a personal mission to listen, connect, and advocate for those protecting the region’s most vital landscapes and stories.
Over 12 months, Amanda travelled by foot, ferry, bush plane, boat, car, train and bus—covering thousands of kilometres across sea and land. She hiked 1,610 kilometres in honour of the 1,610 rangers known to have lost their lives in the line of duty since 2009—each step a tribute, each story a thread in a growing regional network of hope.
Almost entirely self-funded and supported by the Thin Green Line Foundation, the expedition spotlighted the voices and work of rangers who are often unseen and under-resourced. That journey now forms the heart of Guardians of Hope—a documentary about what it means to protect hope itself, told through the eyes of those who live it every day.
Protect Hope. Support Rangers.
Across Oceania, rangers risk everything to protect life, culture, and hope itself. Through the Thin Green Line, you can help train, equip, and support rangers — and honour the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Every action matters: learn, share, and give.
Bardi Jawi Oorani Rangers, Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia. Credit: Amanda Dudgeon 2025
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