Black Screen Australian Indigenous Film Festival Program
The Australian Embassy in Harare is proud to present the first ever Australian Indigenous film festival in Zimbabwe, showcasing the best of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait film-making and storytelling. The festival is made up of films from the Black Screen Collection, part of Australia’s National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA).
The Black Screen Collection promotes cultural awareness and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen culture, provides entertainment to communities and brings them together in discussion, showcasing and supporting Australia’s Indigenous talent on and off screen.
The collection includes features, short films and documentaries by renowned filmmakers such as Warwick Thornton, Ivan Sen, Wayne Blair, Rachel Perkins and Beck Cole.
For Australians at home and people around the world, the Black Screen Collection and the NFSA provides a unique way to experience Australia’s culture and history, a way to share a deeper understanding of what being Australian means and a way to understand the past in order to shape the future.
At the heart of the NFSA is the national audio-visual collection which belongs to the Australian people and contains more than 1.9 million items, comprising audio recordings, moving image works, associated documents and artefacts of cultural significance.
We hope you enjoy the films!
Australian Classification Ratings
In our view films marked with ** are especially suited for kids from 8 years and upwards.
Friday 10 June
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Fri 10 June
12:00 |
Road Home (2003, M) Dir: Kelrick Martin, Australia, 27mins Writ: Kelrick Martin Roy Read was raised an orphan and told he wasn’t Aboriginal, just ‘darker than others’. At Kinchela Boys’ Home he was subjected to the horrors of institutionalised life. Now, 49 years later, he returns to face the demons of his past and reconnect with the family he never knew he had.
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Fri 10 June
12:29 |
Turn Around (2002, M) Dir: Samantha Saunders , 13mins Prod: Jenny Day, Writ: Samantha Saunders A teenage guy heads to Sydney for a hot date. He’s held up on the way and realises the real meaning of his journey.
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Fri 10 June
12:44 |
Shit Skin (2002, PG) Dir: Nicholas Boseley, 13mins Prod: Kimba Thompson, Writ: Nicholas Boseley An Indigenous grandmother, Nina, and her grandson, Luke, travel to Central Australia to find long-lost family and culture and the truth of Nina’s history. Without the truth, Luke’s mission is fruitless and Nina’s opportunity to resolve her life will be missed.
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Fri 10 June
12:58 |
Flat (2002, M) A film by Beck Cole, 13mins Prod: Rachel Perkins & Darren Dale Marnie is given a hot video camera by her Dad. In the 24 hours that follow, she sets out to capture on tape life in the housing commission flats she calls home.
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Fri 10 June
13:13 |
Bourke Boy (2009, PG) Dir: Adrian Russell Wills, 11mins Prod: Adrian Wills, Writ: Adrian Wills A father attempts to reaffirm his relationship with his adopted son as the son seeks to reconnect with his natural mother, culture and country.
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Fri 10 June
13:26 |
The Djarn Djarns (2005, M) Dir: Wayne Blair, Australia, 25mins Writ: Wayne Blair The Djarns Djarns is the story of friendship between four boys, the responsibility they feel for their culture and the love a young boy has for his father.
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Fri 10 June
13:53 |
My Brother Vinnie (2006, M) Dir: Steve McGregor, 25mins Prod: Sarah Bond, Writ: Aaron Pedersen A documentary that explores the relationship between Arrernte actor Aaron Pedersen and his brother Vinnie who have grown up as each others’ shadow. From a very young age Vinnie gave his older brother Aaron duty of care. Aaron is a successful actor all the while being responsible for the care of Vinnie, who has mild intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy. The journey hasn’t been easy for either brother.
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Fri 10 June
14:20 |
The Turtle (2007, PG) ** Dir: Kelli Cross, 5mins, colour, DVD Writ: Kelli Cross Thirteen year old Jason is going through the changes to become a young man. His mother sends him to the only decent role model she can think of, his paternal grandfather, for a holiday in a small coastal town.
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Fri 10 June
14:27 |
B.L.A.C.K. (2005, M) Dir: Grant Leigh Saunders , Australia, 26mins Prod: Grant Leigh Saunders B.L.A.C.K is not just about a skin colour, it is a celebration and understanding of the Aboriginal voice in hip-hop. This is a film with rhythm, rhyme and reason. Music score by Wire MC.
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Fri 10 June
14:55 |
Black Talk (2002, M) Dir: Wayne Blair, Australia, 12mins Prod: Kylie du Fresne, Writ: Wayne Blair Two cousins reunite one last time.
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Fri 10 June
15:10 |
Green Bush (2005, MA15+) Dir: Warwick Thornton, Australia, 26mins Prod: Kath Shelper, Writ: Warwick Thornton Every night, Indigenous radio announcer and DJ, Kenny. hosts the Green Bush show for Aboriginal communities. Isolated at the station, he takes requests for music, while at the same time coping with the pressure of the community around him.
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Fri 10 June
15:40 |
The Redfern Story (PG) Dir: Darlene Johnson, 57mins Prod: Darlene Johnson, Sue Milliken In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Sydney suburb of Redfern became home to over 20,000 Aboriginal people. With the gradual revoking of the reserve system in NSW Aboriginal people drifted to the city looking for friends, family and work. Redfern, then a rundown slum where only the poorest people lived, was the cheapest and therefore most affordable place for these displaced country people to find refuge. It was soon overcrowded: poverty, illiteracy and alcohol provoked anti-social behaviour and conflict arose between the new inhabitants and the police. In 1967 the overwhelming “yes” vote in the Referendum gave Aboriginal people hope that their plight would be recognised and help provided. A few brave pioneers, like Faith Bandler and Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Noonucle) worked hard to raise awareness of the cause. However, in reality little changed. Then, in 1971, something happened which marked the beginning of the fight for equal rights and equal opportunities for Australia’s first people. A small group of untrained, but passionate and talented activists came together and formed The National Black Theatre which became a focal point for activism until it closed in 1977. “This is an extraordinary film that shines a light on otherwise unknown aspects of Australian history. As such it should be an important inclusion in the education curriculum in all schools and universities throughout Australia.”
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Fri 10 June
16:40 |
Aunty Maggie and the Womba Wakgun (2009, PG) ** Dir: Leah Purcell, Australia, 11mins Aunty Maggie and Uncle Peter struggle to feed their three nephews. The arrival of some chickens provides a new food source… eggs! When the new rooster becomes more of a headache and nearly dies, Aunty Maggie’s quick thinking shocks the family and makes her famous.
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Fri 10 June
16:52 |
Wad u Matyidi (2010, G) ** Dir: Luke Jurevicius, Arthur Moody, 9mins Prod: Sonja Vivienne, Marjo Stroud In this short animated film we’re taken back to pre-contact times (early 1800s) when Adnyamathanha children of the Flinders Ranges were inspired, schooled and entertained by their interactions with ‘country’. The characters in the story are three adventurous Adnyamathanha kids who set out for a day of exploration near their camp. The children play traditional games and spook one another with tales of the ancient creatures of their country. They see unusual tracks that set their hearts and imaginations racing. Then, unexpectedly they make a discovery that changes their lives forever.
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Fri 10 June
17:03 |
Big Name No Blanket (2013, M) Dir: Steven McGregor, 57mins In the 1980s, George Rrurrambu, the frontman of the pioneering Warumpi Band, made an extraordinary contribution to contemporary Aboriginal music and reconciliation. Dubbed ‘the black Mick Jagger’ for his energetic performances, and hailed a legend for being the first to sing rock’n’roll music in Aboriginal languages, George caught Australia by surprise. He left a legacy that changed the face of Indigenous music, uniting his own people and bringing black and white together. George Rrurrambu died a rock’n’roll legend in 2007 and there is no other quite like him. For the first time, this is his story.
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Fri 10 June
18:02 |
Mimi (2002, M) ** Dir: Warwick Thornton, 14mins Prod: Rachel Perkins, Darren Dale Mimi pokes fun at white art collectors who purchase Indigenous art purely for its investment value.
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Fri 10 June
18:17 |
Mabo (2012, PG) Dir: Rachel Perkins, 103 mins Prod: Blackfella Films Pty Ltd, Writ: Sue Smith In 1973 Koiki ‘Eddie’ Mabo was shocked to discover that the ownership of the land his ancestors had passed down on Murray Island in the Torres Strait for over 16 generations, was not legally recognised as theirs. Rather than accept this injustice, he began an epic fight for Australian law to recognise traditional land rights. Eddie never lived to see his land returned to him, but the name Mabo is now known in every household throughout the country. In January 1992, at only 55, Eddie died of cancer. Five months later the High Court overturned the notion of terra nullius. Underscoring this epic battle is Eddie’s relationship with his wife Bonita. MABO traces Eddie’s life - from a carefree young man of seventeen, through his courtship and marriage to his one true love, up to his death and the handing down of the High Court decision on that historic day - 3rd June 1992. MABO is as much a love story as a document of one man’s fight for recognition of what he believed was legally his.
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Saturday 11 June
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Sat 11 June
12:00 |
Buckskin (2013, MA15+) Dir: Dylan McDonald, 57mins Prod: Penelope McDonald Like many young Aboriginal men, Jack Buckskin grew up not knowing his traditional language and culture, as it had been driven almost to extinction a hundred years ago. Living on the edge of Adelaide, a life-changing event set him on a new path. Now Jack is on a mission to renew the Kaurna language and culture, the language of the Adelaide Plains, and teach it to as many people as he can in his lifetime. As his Uncle Steve says, ‘People who are still very strong in their culture walk differently.’ And Jack Buckskin is no exception to this.
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Sat 11 June
12:59 |
Croker Island Exodus (2012, G) Dir: Steven McGregor, 57mins Prod: Anna Grieve and Danielle MacLean, Writ: Steven McGregor 1942, Croker Island, Arafura Sea as the Japanese bomb Australia’s north, 95 Aboriginal children and their missionary carers make a remarkable journey to safety across the continent. This ‘little’ party sets off on a trek that takes them from Croker Island through Arnhem Land to a Methodist farm at Otford on the edge of Sydney. Over 44 days they travel 5,000 miles by foot, boat, canoe, truck and train. Croker Island Exodus is a compelling documentary film. This is their story, in their own words, a truly heroic and untold journey.
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Sat 11 June
13:57 |
The Turtle (2007, PG) ** Dir: Kelli Cross, 5mins, colour, DVD Writ: Kelli Cross Thirteen year old Jason is going through the changes to become a young man. His mother sends him to the only decent role model she can think of, his paternal grandfather, for a holiday in a small coastal town.
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Sat 11 June
14:04 |
Yolngu Guya Djamamirr (2008, G) (Chooky Dance) ** Dir: Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy, 6mins Prod: Penny Smallacome Since uploading the Chooky Dancers performance of ‘Zorba the Greek – Yolngu Style’, to YouTube, it has become an overnight sensation. This is the story behind the dance.
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Sat 11 June
14:12
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Wad u Matyidi (2010, G) ** Dir: Luke Jurevicius, Arthur Moody, 9mins Prod: Sonja Vivienne, Marjo Stroud In this short animated film we’re taken back to pre-contact times (early 1800s) when Adnyamathanha children of the Flinders Ranges were inspired, schooled and entertained by their interactions with ‘country’. The characters in the story are three adventurous Adnyamathanha kids who set out for a day of exploration near their camp. The children play traditional games and spook one another with tales of the ancient creatures of their country. They see unusual tracks that set their hearts and imaginations racing. Then, unexpectedly they make a discovery that changes their lives forever.
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Sat 11 June
14:23 |
Wadu Matyidi - Behind the Scenes (2010, G) ** Prod: Sonja Vivienne, Marjo Stroud, 30mins Behind the Scenes presents the background story of the Wadu Matyidi animated film project. In a fast-paced light-hearted style we learn how a diverse group of fascinating individuals conceived and developed this exceptional high-tech journey into ancient knowledge.
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Sat 11 June
14:55
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Mimi (2002, M) ** Dir: Warwick Thornton, 14mins Prod: Rachel Perkins, Darren Dale Mimi pokes fun at white art collectors who purchase Indigenous art purely for its investment value.
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Sat 11 June
15:11 |
Aunty Maggie and the Womba Wakgun (2009, PG) ** Dir: Leah Purcell, Australia, 11mins Aunty Maggie and Uncle Peter struggle to feed their three nephews. The arrival of some chickens provides a new food source… eggs! When the new rooster becomes more of a headache and nearly dies, Aunty Maggie’s quick thinking shocks the family and makes her famous.
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Sat 11 June
15:24 |
Destiny in The Dirt (2013, G) ** Dir: Ella Bancroft, 10mins, colour, DVD, Prod: Metro Screen Destiny in the Dirt is the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Dylan, who through a series of unexpected circumstances embarks on an experience that will lead him to a place he never imagined he could end up.
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Sat 11 June
15:36 |
Storytime (2007, PG) Dir: Jub Clarke, 9mins Prod: Belinda Kelsall, Writ: Jub Clerc A film about two adventurous Kimberley kids who wander deep into the Mangroves at sunset, only to find that the terrifying campfire stories of the Gooynbooyn Woman may not be myth after all.
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Sat 11 June
15:47 |
Who Paintin’ dis Wandjina? (2007, G) Dir: Taryne Laffar, 8mins Prod: Janine Boreland Anonymously, a non-Indigenous graffiti artist speaks about the hundreds of Wandjina stencils and graffiti around the city of Perth, Western Australia. Traditional owners of the sacred Wandjina an ancient creator spirit respond and explain the inappropriateness of this being graffitied without ‘proper’ knowledge.
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Sat 11 June
15:57 |
Jandamarra’s War (2011, PG) Dir: Mitch Torres, 56mins, DVD Prod: Eileen Torres Jandamarra’s War is the story of an aboriginal Australian man who should be as famous as Ned Kelly. In 1894, Jandamarra led a rebellion against invading pastoralists in defence of his people’s ancient land and culture. Until his death in brutal retribution, this formidable Bunuba warrior waged a 3-year guerrilla war, earning him both the admiration of his people and international notoriety.
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Sat 11 June
16:56
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Lurujarri Dreaming (2013, G) Dir: Bernadette Trench-Thiedeman, 28mins Prod: Bernadette Trench-Thiedeman Lurujarri Dreaming tells the stories of the Goolarabooloo community of Western Australia, and their connection to sacred country. Travel along the Lurujarri Dreaming Trail that follows the Songcycle north from Broome, through Dreamtime and history.
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Sat 11 June
17:26 |
Blackbuster (2012, PG) ** Dir: SF Tusa, 10mins, colour Prod: Andrew Arbuthnot, Writ: SF Tusa Rowdy punters at this kooky Queensland pub stir an unusual awakening in pirated DVD dealer, Kainen. As his crush grows for the publican’s daughter, Tanika, his uncontrollable imagination takes us on a genre-bending roller coaster fantasy ride like no other!
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Sat 11 June
17:38 |
Footprints in the Sand (2006, G) (Jinna Mitinu Barnunga) Dir: Glen Stasiuk, 25mins Prod: Glen Stasiuk, Paul Roberts, Writ: Glen Stasiuk Footprints in the Sand tells of the extraordinary search for Warri and Yatungka, believed to be the last of the Gibson Desert people who ‘came in’ out of the desert for the first time in the late 1970s.This is both a sad love story and an uplifting tale of survival and rescue.
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Sat 11 June
18:05 |
Dancing with the Prime Minister (2010, G) Dir: Lara Cole, 26mins Prod: Anne Delaney, Writ: Lara Cole, Anna Cole Twenty-five Aboriginal debutantes, the Prime Minister, and a glamorous night in 1968 that turned the heads of a nation at a pivotal time in Australia’s race relations. Dancing with the Prime Minister documents this remarkable night and the place it holds in Australian history. Through the experiences and lives of those who were there – the Indigenous debutantes – the film brings to the screen their extraordinary story, in an era when Australians were optimistic about race relations, but still living with the stain of the Stolen Generations policy
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Sat 11 June
18:33 |
Putuparri and the Rainmakers (2015, M) Dir: Nicole Ma, 97 mins Prod: Nicole Ma and John Moore A universal story about the sacred relationship between people and place. It takes audiences on a rare and emotional journey to meet the traditional rainmakers of Australia's Great Sandy Desert who have fought a twenty-year battle to win back their traditional homeland. The film spans ten transformative years in the life of Tom 'Putuparri' Lawford as he navigates the deep chasm between his Western upbringing and his growing determination to fight for his family's homeland. A trip back to his grandparents’ country in the desert begins the process of cultural awakening. Putuparri is shocked to learn that the dreamtime myths are not just stories, that there is a country called Kurtal and a snake spirit that is the subject of an elaborate rainmaking ritual. Putuparri is a man caught between two worlds: the deeply spiritual universe of his people's traditional culture and his life in modern society where he struggles with alcoholism and domestic violence. As he reconnects with his ancestral lands and learns about his traditional culture he begins to accept his future as a leader of his people and shoulders his responsibility to pass this knowledge on to the next generation
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