VicScreen backs exhibition of immersive expansion of award winning documentary The Giants

VicScreen has supported the continued creative life of the feature documentary The Giants, backing its evolution from a critically acclaimed film into a major new immersive screen experience now exhibiting at Melbourne Museum’s Learning Lab.

Originally supported by VicScreen and produced by Victorian production company General Strike, documentary feature film, The Giants has since expanded beyond the traditional cinema format, demonstrating the growing potential for screen content to move across platforms and reach new audiences through innovative forms.

The latest iteration, The Giants Immersive, premiered in France and has now been brought home to Victorian audiences with support from VicScreen. The installation transports audiences into the heart of Australia’s ancient forests—home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on earth—offering a powerful, sensorial experience that builds on the film’s themes and visual language.

Blending cinematic imagery with cutting edge 3D scan animation, The Giants Immersive creates a world of epic scale and often sublime beauty. Audiences are enveloped in a living forest environment, revealing the often hidden life cycle of trees while drawing attention to the ongoing threat facing Gondwana era forests.

The immersive work is a collaboration between The Giants directors Laurence Billiet and Rachael Antony of General Strike, and French artist Alex Le Guillou. It expands upon their award winning film practice, translating documentary storytelling into a spatial, experiential format.

The Giants Immersive stands as a compelling example of how screen stories can evolve across formats—opening new avenues for audience engagement, international presentation and long term creative value—while reinforcing Victoria’s position at the forefront of screen innovation.

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “ The Giants is a powerful example of how strong screen ideas can grow well beyond a single format. By supporting projects that evolve from film into immersive and experiential works, we’re supporting Victorian screen practitioners reach new audiences who can explore different ways of connecting with content.”

Museums Victoria CEO and Director Lynley Crosswell said, “We are proud to present an opportunity for visitors to experience the magic of ancient forests through this beautiful and thought-provoking exhibit. The Giants Immersive reinforces Melbourne Museum’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of our natural world. It is a compelling addition to our multisensory biodiversity gallery, Our Wondrous Planet.”

Laurence Billiet, Director at General Strike said, “One of the motivations for making the film was to introduce audiences to Australia’s unique Gondwana-era forests. Adapting the film as an immersive exhibition enables us to bring the wonder of our native forests to a new audience and hopefully inspire them to protect them.”

Rachael Antony, Director at General Strike said, “Melbourne Museum is an iconic part of Victoria’s cultural life and it’s thrilling to see the film leap off the screen and take-over the room, enabling both a sensorial and educational experience for all ages.”

Experience the magic of ancient forests: The Giants Immersive is open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm at The Learning Lab, Melbourne Museum (included with museum entry).

For more information and bookings go to https://brnw.ch/thegiants