Hi my name’s Kim and I’m a local filmmaker and resident who has been filmming and following the save the Preston market campaign since 2022. I’ve been doing this independently, using my own resources, mostly solo, with some in kind support from two local cinematographers. I’ve done this because I absolutely love Preston Market and have felt it important to document this significant community fight. To finish this feature length documentary I need community support.

While I continue to film the story unfolding - I've edited as much as I can to a very rough cut/assembly. I’m also applying for local grants but will still be short unless I get community support so I can cover the costs for:

I’ve got some community members who are also offering to do work at a reduced fee or for free. The more I raise the more I can pay people a proper contribution. Also you may be a creative who can offer in kind/reduced cost services - I would love to hear from you - in particular a sound mixer and designer.

About the film:

This feature documentary follows the Save the Preston Market Action Group over four years, part of a campaign spanning more than a decade, as they fight to protect Preston Market from redevelopment.

When in 2021, the Victorian Planning Authority approves plans to demolish 80 percent of the historic market and replace it with luxury apartments and a smaller market, a grassroots movement mobilises to stop it. The four year campaign is one chapter of an over decade long community fight. We follow the journeys of volunteers and community members advocating for their community and protection of the heart and soul of Preston and the northern suburbs.

This film addresses planning decisions that prioritise developers over local communities, loss of culturally significant public spaces and broader questions about Australian politics including how voting and civic engagement influence the decisions that shape our cities. Preston Market is a site of intergenerational connection, migration histories, cultural exchange and informal community infrastructure.

The film shows how community activism can create real change.