Eyes Like Diamonds - Tasmanian Tiger Documentary

'Eyes Like Diamonds' Tasmanian Tiger feature documentary premiering at Melbourne Documentary Film Festival - July 2026

Can One Person Change the Story of Tasmanian Tiger Extinction?

A new Australian documentary premiering at the 2026 Melbourne Documentary Film Festival follows one man's quest to prove that the Tasmanian Tiger still exists.

Eyes Like Diamonds centres on Neil Waters, a horticulturist and conservationist who has spent more than a decade searching Tasmania's remote wilderness for evidence of the elusive thylacine. Once celebrated for his discoveries, Waters later became the subject of public ridicule as his claims attracted scepticism from scientists and the media alike.

While the film explores the evidence collected by Neil over his journey, the film naturally reflects a character portrait of Neil himself - his philosophy, his values and has shaped his passion.

Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Jonathon Buckland, Eyes Like Diamonds explores what it means to keep pursuing a goal when few people believe in you. Along the way, it raises bigger questions about extinction, conservation, scientific evidence, and humanity's desire to find meaning in something larger than our own selves.

Buckland first became aware of Waters in 2021, when headlines across Australia reported his claim that he had captured trail-camera footage of a living thylacine. Intrigued by Waters' conviction and unconventional approach, Buckland spent several years documenting his story.

The result is part character study, part road-trip adventure, and part reflection on Australia's relationship with its unique wildlife. Through Waters' journey, Eyes Like Diamonds asks audiences to consider not only what we have lost, but what drives people to keep searching.

The film goes starts its national tour with its MDFF premiere, followed by Yarram, Foster, Wonthaggi and Ballarat. Tour dates for Tasmania are planned for August, followed by NSW and QLD in October, and finishing in WA in November - stay tuned for further announcements on the film website.

Trailer Eyes Like Diamonds

Book via Cinemanova.au





 Cinema Nova View Venue
 380 Lygon Street Carlton Victoria 3053 Map
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Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2026

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→ Tags: Tasmanian Tiger, Mystery, Adventure, Premiere, Australian Documentary, Independent Documentary, Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2026