Cirrus@Austlit

'Hurtling through space and time, We Are Still Here is an unparalleled First Nations celebration, interweaving eight stories by 10 directors from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

'Conceived as a cinematic response to the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s arrival in this region, We Are Still Here is a poetic and powerful statement of resistance and survival. Through eight heroic protagonists, the film traverses 1000 years exploring stories of kinship, loss, grief and resilience. It begins with a stunning animation set in ancient times, when a mother and daughter out fishing have a disturbing vision of the future. Then we are taken to 1862 where, in both Australia and New Zealand, Indigenous people confront the prospect of a terrifying future. In 1915, a Samoan soldier finds himself in a perilous situation, but also encounters an unexpected act of kindness. Alongside stories set in the past, there are also contemporary stories of activism, of confronting racism, of romance and of ancestral love. And finally, a vision of a dystopian future. Bringing together a range of genres – animation, sci-fi, romantic comedy, period drama – We Are Still Here is cumulatively a strident story of endurance in the face of colonialism, racism and attempted erasure. It is also evidence of thrilling new First Nations cinematic talent from our region.'

Source: Sydney Film Festival.

Detective Toni Alma is assigned to investigate a case in Perdar Theendar, the Indigenous community she left as a child and has had little to do with since. She soon becomes involved in the devious practices of the global art market and its selling of Indigenous art.

Source: Screen Australia press release.

'A songline for 21st century Australia – a fresh look at the Cook legend from a First Nations’ perspective – the songline tells of connection to country, resistance and survival and features the cheeky, acerbic and heartfelt showman – Steven Oliver and a host of outstanding Indigenous singer/songwriters.'

Source: Screen Australia.

Series one:

'Detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pedersen) is assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two young farm hands on an outback cattle station. One is a local Indigenous footy hero, and the other a backpacker. Working with local cop Emma James (Judy Davis), Jay’s investigation uncovers a past injustice that threatens the fabric of the whole community.'

Source: Screen Australia (https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/sa/media-centre/news/2017/07-12-mystery-road-series). (Sighted: 13/07/2017)

Series two:

'A headless corpse is found floating by the shore in a remote outback town. As if this weren’t mysterious enough, Detective Swan and his colleague Fran have to contend with protests against the excavation of an Indigenous site. And then another body turns up.'

Source: Berlinale program (Sighted: 13/02/2020)

'A rich and humorous coming of age story, GRACE BESIDE ME transports young audiences into the world of 13-year-old Fuzzy Mac and her best mate Tui Mui as they navigate life, and with help from Fuzzy's Nan and Pop, learn how to find strength and grace.'

Source: Screen Australia.

'There is a rich and powerful story stitched into a few pieces of coloured fabric of a man whose design created meaning for a nation of people once invisible to the mainland of Australia. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Torres Strait Islander Flag as we journey into the Straits with Bala B to uncover and honour the life and times of his late father – Bernard Namok Senior, the flag’s creator.' (Production summary)

'Little J is five and has just started kindergarten year at school. He lives with his grandmother (Nanna), his girl cousin (Big Cuz) who is nine, and their dog (Old Dog) who is also the story narrator. LITTLE J & BIG CUZ follows the family's adventures and is told primarily from the point of view of Little J.'

Source: Screen Australia.

'8MMM Aboriginal Radio in Alice Springs runs on the smell of an oily rag, the enthusiasm of its motley Indigenous crew and the misguided intentions of the whitefellas in charge. For the 3M's of Alice Springs - the missionaries, mercenaries and misfits - saving Aboriginal people from themselves is hard work. Especially Aboriginal people who expect to be heard on the radio and in the office. Princess Pictures and Brindle Films bravely step into the vortex of Aboriginal Australia, where truth and comedy collide.' (Production summary)

Redfern Now is 'the first contemporary TV drama series written, directed and produced by Indigenous Australians.'

Source: ABC Television website.

'This is Bonita Mabo’s personal Journey. A Journey that starts with the life she shared with Eddie Mabo and his fight for Native Title. But her story does not finish there, Bonita is even more determined to fight again. The fight for the recognition of her South Sea Islander people.' (Source: CAAMA website)

When under threat of having their children stolen by authorities, Indigenous mothers resorted to darkening their fair-skinned children with mud and charcoal. In this short film, the mother of an albino Aboriginal girl tries to disguise her child but to no avail. After the girl has been taken from her family, she flees the convent and attempts to return home.

Source: Australian Screen.