About the film
Love Letter to the Unseen follows youth conservationist Spencer Hitchen on his journey of discovery to understand the imminent threats to the endangered Maugean Skate and the intrinsic beauty of a species that exists both in the real world and in the imaginations of its supporters.
Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, the sole remaining home of the Maugean skate, is at risk, but there’s still time to act.
A Land and Sea for All film directed by multi award-winning filmmaker Josh “Bones” Murphy (ARTIFISHAL, THE SCALE OF HOPE) made in partnership with Environment Tasmania, Holdfast Collective, Rauch Foundation, and Reichstein Foundation.
Featuring cultural educator Lyndon O’Neil, artist Wendy Edwards, cartoonist First Dog on the Moon, Andrew Wilkie MP, and more.
Screenings
Jul 11, Film Screening Scottsdale Library
Scottsdale Library
Jul 22, Sydney Screening, Dendy Cinema
Dendy Cinema
Host your own
Help spread the word and inspire action by hosting your own screening.
Help Our Heroes Save the Skate
Our Heroes are calling on Australia's Environment Minister to implement the Conservation Advice for the Maugean skate in full and transition salmon farming out of the skate's last remaining habitat. Will you add your voice and help us save the skate from extinction?
Our Heroes
Spencer Hitchen
Conservationist
Spencer is a fifteen-year-old conservationist, environmental educator and photographer living in Noosa, Queensland with a strong passion for protecting nature for future generations of humans and wildlife alike.
Lyndon O’Neil
Cultural Educator
Lyndon is a grandson of Rex Kennedy and a descendant of Mannalargenna via Dalrymple. He is a proud trawlwoolway man, a father, and a strong, caring, Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural leader based on the north coast of lutruwita / Tasmania.
Wendy Edwards
Featured Artist
Wendy Edwards is a Tasmanian artist and sculptor. Through her practice she advocates for the environment, as with her Maugean Skate sculptures where she hopes to make ecological stories more tangible for the viewer.
First Dog on the Moon
Cartoonist
First Dog on the Moon is Australia's only Walkley award-winning marsupial-based cartoonist and has done all sorts of things including books, radio, stage shows and a lot of lying down.
Learn more about the film makers.
Take action
Add your name to the open letter and help protect the Maugean skate. Your voice can push for urgent action to safeguard this ancient species and ensure the government delivers on its promise of no new extinctions. Sign now and help give the skate a real chance at survival.
Updates
Jan 29, 2026
People featured in the film
Meet the contributors to this film and hear their stories.
First Nations Collaboration
Environment Tasmania commissioned "Thylacine of the Sea" by Reuben Oates to accompany the launch of Love Letter to the Unseen. Reuben Oates is a proud Trawlwoolway artist of the North East of Tasmania, born and raised on Melukerdee Country in the Huon Valley. His work is rooted in cultural storytelling, connection to Country, and a deep responsibility to represent and protect Aboriginal culture through art.
