A new series of short, Indigenous documentaries filmed and produced in WA, will premiere nationally before the 7:00pm news on ABC1 during NAIDOC Week, 8 July – 12 July 2013.
ScreenWest in partnership with ABC TV collaborated with Joined Up Films and four Western Australian Indigenous filmmakers to develop and produce four positive and inspirational mini documentaries, encapsulating the theme of Seasons.
ScreenWest and Lotterywest invested $250,000 into the Indigenous Short Documentary Development and Production Initiative which has provided support for Western Australian Indigenous filmmakers.
“These short documentaries highlight the quality of West Australian stories coming from the talented Indigenous filmmakers in the State. It is fantastic to see them recognised during NAIDOC week and shown to a national audience,” said Ian Booth, CEO of ScreenWest.
ABC TV’s Head of Indigenous, Sally Riley also praised the initiative, “The Seasons Initiative is an excellent example of the ABC’s commitment to Indigenous programming and to providing production opportunities to new Indigenous filmmakers. Four distinct short documentaries from four very unique WA voices will be a highlight for our audiences during NAIDOC week.”
The filmmakers participated in an intensive development and production program which has resulted in creative new approaches to storytelling and four highly entertaining productions.
The four short documentaries from four regions in WA include; Ngurra Wanggagu, Unspoken Magic Quandong and Muster Up.
Ngurra Wanggagu, written and directed by Tyson Mowarin and set in the sweeping plains of Northwestern Pilbara, tells the story of the Pilbara people as they travel the country they see as an old friend. Their oneness is intimately captured on film as the family spends their day fishing to provide a feast for all to share.
First time filmmaker Karla Hart has written and directed Magic Quandong. Set in the Great Southern, Magic Quandong, is the story of a native fruit and the magical effect it has in transporting multiple generations of a family back to their roots and their spiritual home.
Perth-set, dance documentary, Unspoken by first-time writer/director Perun Bonser explores the artistic compatibility between Aboriginal and contemporary Australia culture.
Set at the Bohemia Downs Station in the Kimberly, Muster Up, is a story about a second chance and follows the station’s manager who wants to give his grandson the same opportunity that he had when he was young. Muster Up was written by Dot West and directed by Kim West.
The four mini-documentaries will screen on ABC1 during NAIDOC week at 6.50pm. Ngurra Wanggagu will screen on Monday 08 July, Unspoken – Tuesday 09 July, Magic Quandong – Wednesday 10 July and Muster Up – Friday 12 July.
Press release and images attached – 1) Muster Up- Elija Matthews 2) Unspoken L-R Matthew Tupper, Perun Bonser (Director) Ann Janette Phillips.
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