Director Chantelle Murray’s The Lost Tiger marks a historic milestone as the first animated feature film written and directed by an Indigenous woman. Embedded with themes of identity, heritage, and adventure, the film carries forward a rich tradition of Indigenous storytelling, offering a unique and heartwarming narrative that reflects Murray’s own connection to place and culture.
In Murray’s own words:
“I didn’t have anything like this growing up. I had the things that reinforced the horrible narratives of Indigenous people globally. So, to have something there for the next generation, representation means everything.”
Produced by Brisbane-based, woman-led studio Like a Photon Creative, known for The Sloth Lane (2024) and Scarygirl (2023), the film brings an essential message to the forefront of modern animated cinema.
A Story of Identity and Adventure
At the heart of The Lost Tiger is an orphaned thylacine named Teo (voiced by Thomas Weatherall), who embarks on a hero’s journey to discover his true identity. Teo is raised by a couple from the quirky Roomania, a troupe of wrestling kangaroos. As Teo grapples with growing up and fitting in, his search for self leads him to an adventure that challenges his sense of place in the world.
Teo’s path intertwines with Plato (voiced by Rhys Darby), a platypus and aspiring guild adventurer, who introduces him to the legend of a lost “Tiger Island” said to be home to the last surviving thylacines. Their quest to uncover this mythical island drives the plot forward, underlining the importance of self-discovery and belonging.
The film’s antagonist, Quinella Quoll (voiced by Celeste Barber), represents the destructive legacy of the “doctrine of discovery”—a concept used by colonizers to justify the exploitation of Indigenous lands and peoples. As an explorer obsessed with acquiring rare artifacts for her museum, Quoll embodies the exploitative mindset of historical European adventurers, serving as a timely critique as museums reconsider their collections and the colonial roots behind them.
A Universal Message of Connection and Responsibility
The Lost Tiger brings to life a powerful message about the interconnectedness of all lives, showing that the choices we make affect not just ourselves but the broader world. With quirky colloquialisms like “2-up” (an Australian gambling game) and lighthearted moments throughout, the film balances serious themes with fun, drawing in younger audiences while imparting valuable life lessons.
Visually, Murray’s deep connection to the Australian landscape shines through, as she deliberately incorporates her experiences of the Kimberley region, blending vibrant desert hues and lush rainforest scenes. The film’s animation technique, known as “stepped keys,” uses a unique frame rate of 12 frames per second, giving the film a distinctive stop-motion feel that enhances its dynamic action sequences.
Animation director Tania Vincent’s choreography of the film’s high-energy wrestling and action scenes adds an exciting dimension, building to a thrilling and climactic conclusion.
A Call for Diversity in the Industry
Through The Lost Tiger, Murray demonstrates how animation can celebrate diversity while telling stories that reflect universal human experiences. The film addresses themes of respect, unity, and the importance of preserving First Nations lands and resources, while also acknowledging the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities.
Murray’s pioneering work in the industry not only provides a platform for Indigenous voices but also sets the stage for future generations of Australian storytellers to share their unique perspectives on a global stage.
The creators of the film proudly acknowledge the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land in Queensland where the film was made.
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