Watch The Great Australian Fly

The Great Australian Fly is a quirky and light-hearted Australian documentary that delves into the fascinating world of a pest that is synonymous with the land down under. Directed by Tosca Looby and narrated by comedian Frank Woodley, the film offers a unique and amusing perspective on the humble fly and its role in Australian culture.

The documentary begins by highlighting the widespread disdain for flies in Australia - a country where the fly is considered a nuisance, an irritant, and a disease carrier. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that the fly is also an integral part of the Australian landscape - a creature that has thrived in the harsh and unforgiving conditions of the Australian outback for millions of years.

What sets The Great Australian Fly apart from other nature documentaries is its tongue-in-cheek tone and its willingness to embrace the absurdity of its subject matter. Throughout the film, Woodley offers wry observations about the fly's behavior and its impact on human society. He also interviews a range of experts, including historians, scientists, fly researchers, and even a fly artist, who provide a wealth of information about the creature's biology, ecology, and cultural significance.

One of the film's standout sequences is a fly-catching competition held in the outback town of Yalgoo, where locals attempt to catch as many flies as possible within a set time limit. This surreal and entertaining event is full of humor and camaraderie, and it provides a window into the unique relationship that Australians have with their ubiquitous insect.

Throughout the film, The Great Australian Fly also explores the history of the fly in Australian art and literature. From iconic works like Norman Lindsay's The Magic Pudding to contemporary artists who use the fly as a symbol of environmental degradation and political corruption, the film shows how the fly has become a powerful and enduring cultural symbol in Australia.

Despite its light-hearted tone, The Great Australian Fly also touches on some of the serious ecological challenges that Australia is facing, particularly in the face of climate change. The film highlights how the fly's behavior is changing in response to warmer temperatures, and how this could have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. It also showcases the innovative work of scientists who are using flies as a tool for studying environmental change.

Overall, The Great Australian Fly is a delightful and informative film that sheds new light on a much-maligned creature. Although it may not be a conventional nature documentary, it offers a fresh and engaging take on the intersection of nature and culture in Australia. Whether you're an insect enthusiast or a casual viewer, this film is sure to entertain and enlighten.

The Great Australian Fly is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes.