Brisbane-based student Samuelsson is part of a group producing a documentary about Tasmania’s “ghost towns”. Over three visits to the state, the group has spent time in areas including Queenstown, Gormanston and Lake Margaret.

Samuelsson said the documentary titled Ghost Town Project aimed to acknowledge the people giving life to less populated towns.

He said there was a need for more positive media coverage of areas that have degraded over time. 

“Some people might have been sensitive to the use of the words ‘ghost town’ because they still live in these places and they are so proud,” Samuelsson said.

“[The project] is about these people and the stories they've told are the stories we're sharing.” 

Samuelsson and director Gabrielle Warren are third year students at Brisbane’s Griffith Film School. The film crew relied on knocking on doors to meet locals to interview for their project. 

“We've gotten so much help from everyone, staff and people in general – It would be wonderful to give back,” Samuelsson said.

“The best way to do it is present what the West Coasters feel about the West Coast, because I've never met people so proud and full of spirit.”

Samuelsson said the projects post-production phase would likely be complete by December.

He said the crew hopes to debut the film on the West Coast, and would likely enter the work in national festivals.