Full details from the Fungi Feastival site: www.fungifeastival.com.au

First the movie. Fungi photographer Stephen Axford and filmmaker Catherine Marciniak's latest adventure documents a hidden bounty — from the untamed beauty of Zambia's Miombo woodlands to the thrill of photographing rare fungi under the watchful eye of black mambas. Catherine & Stephen will introduce us to the wonderful world of mushrooms and explore why scientists now think fungi are absolutely essential to life as we know it.

New release fungi documentary: “Nature’s Bounty – Mushroom Hunters of the Zambian Miombo” follows a unique collaboration between science and tradition that is transforming fungi into a source of food security, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.

In this visually rich and deeply human documentary, Planet Fungi’s Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak team up with local mushroom foragers from the village of Chiundaponde in Zambia’s Miombo woodlands, and South African mycologist Professor Peter Mortimer.

Through stunning visuals and personal stories, the film reveals how wild mushrooms are not just food — they are a lifeline for communities, a key to forest health, and a sustainable path forward in a changing climate.

Following the documentary will be a Q&A session.

Stephen Axford & Catherine Marciniak will have signed copies of their book “Planet Fungi: A Photographer's Foray” available for sale. The book was co-authored by mycologist Tom May. From the forests of Patagonia to the peaks of the Himalayas, Planet Fungi: A Photographer’s Foray reveals the secret lives of fungi in all their exquisite, and alien forms.

It all started with a chance encounter in the forest – a purple mushroom that stopped photographer Stephen Axford in his tracks. From that moment on, he was hooked. With his partner, filmmaker Catherine Marciniak, the two set off to reveal the beauty and science of fungi in some of the most remote corners of the planet.

Fungi are nature’s master connectors – shaping ecosystems, sparking transformation, and popping up in the most surprising places. This book invites you into their strange, spectacular world.

Then join Michael Priest, President of Fungimap, Australia’s national fungi mapping and conservation organisation, for an inspiring and informative presentation.

Michael will introduce you to the fascinating world of Fungimap — a citizen science initiative dedicated to recording and understanding Australia’s incredible fungal diversity. With over 50,000 species of fungi estimated to exist across the country, many still unknown or poorly documented, Fungimap plays a vital role in building knowledge that supports conservation, research, and environmental awareness.

In this engaging talk, Michael will share stories from the field, highlight the importance of fungi in healthy ecosystems, and explain how everyday people can contribute to real scientific discovery simply by observing and recording fungi they encounter in their local environment. Whether you are a bushwalker, gardener, photographer, or curious nature lover, you’ll discover how fungi connect forests, recycle nutrients, and quietly underpin life on Earth.

Michael will also introduce the nationwide citizen science event The Great Aussie Fungi Hunt, held annually, and this year in July. This exciting month-long initiative invites Australians of all ages to search for fungi in parks, backyards, forests and reserves, photograph what they find, and upload observations to help scientists better understand fungal distribution and diversity across the country.

Participants learn how to spot different fungi, record sightings safely, and become part of a growing community of fungi enthusiasts contributing to real research outcomes. It’s science, discovery and adventure rolled into one.

This is a must-see session for anyone interested in nature, conservation, and the hidden kingdom beneath our feet — and a perfect way to be inspired to take part in Australia’s biggest fungi discovery event.