A series of films made between 1972 and 1990 by both independent filmmakers and Australian film and television institutions, distributed on videocassette format by AFI Distribution Ltd under the collective title Picturing Black Australia. The films, which range in length from 6 to 130 minutes, explore a variety of issues to do with Aboriginal history and contemporary black Australian culture.
Films in the series include:
Some of the films have been re-released by the AFI on DVD.
Backroads
Melbourne
:
Back Roads Productions
,
1977
Z1323766
1977
single work
film/TV
crime
A vivid journey into the remote corners of white responsibility for black despair in Australia, Backroads was the first feature film to which Aboriginal people made a major creative contribution.
'Backroads tells the story of an aimless white drifter Bill who has a chance encounter with Aboriginal man Gary. They steal a car and petrol and supplies as they need it.'
'As they travel they pick up another Aboriginal man on the run from an unsuccessful marriage and the bored white wife of a service station owner. A French backpacker joins them for a short while.'
'Always on the run from police, boredom and guns turn into a deadly combination.' (Source: Shareourpride website)
Melbourne : Australian Film Institute Distribution , 1980-1989
First Born : The Life and Times of Jack Davis
Australia
:
Zest Films
,
1988
Z1008562
1988
single work
film/TV
A portrait of Aboriginal spokesman, writer and playwright, Jack Davis. Davis relates his childhood and experiences on an Aboriginal settlement. Extracts from some of his plays are presented. A useful discussion starter for topics related to Aboriginal culture and the nature of government intervention in the lives of the Aboriginal people in the past. Designed as a resource for teachers and aimed primarily at senior secondary students.
Melbourne : Australian Film Institute Distribution , 1988
