Spotlight on Australia
Program II
Curated by Nicholas Boseley

“One would be hard placed to find an Indigenous Australian film without a strong message – whether it be political or emotional. In this selection of films, we see more subtlety in their politics, adventures into wider issues, and even the turning of the critical eye back upon themselves.”
Nicholas Boseley

Australian filmmaker Nicholas Boseley wrote, directed and produced the 1998 short animated film, “Fragments,” which has screened at festivals internationally. In 2001, he wrote and directed “Shit Skin”, which received a City of Glen Eira National Literary Award for best short screenplay.

Grey

Director: Steven McGregor
Australia, 5:30 min, 2002, Video, Colour

An Aboriginal couple, Annika and Randle, have very different ideas on how to approach the reconciliation march between black and white Australians. What happens in the film forces one of them to confront their own prejudice.

Steven McGregor is a well-respected director whose work included "Marn Grook" and the highly acclaimed "Apekathe.”

Your Brother my Tidda

Director: Kelrick Martin
Australia, 18:30 min, 2002, Video, Colour

‘Coming out’ to family, living with HIV, and religion – a glimpse into some of the life- changing situations faced by two Aboriginal gay men.

Kelrick Martin’s “The Road Home”, was awarded the prize of Best Film in the 2003 International Student Documentary Competition, in Chicago. Kelrick Martin currently works as a Producer/Director for the ABC series “Message Stick TV”.

Flat

Director: Beck Cole
Australia, 13:00 min, 2002, 16 mm, Colour

Fifteen-year-old Marnie is forced to grow up too fast in a small country town.

Beck Cole has produced and directed television documentaries for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation including "Missing in Alice” and "Finding Common Ground".

Turn Around

Director: Samantha Saunders
Australia, 13:00 min, 2002, 35 mm, Colour

Canadian Premiere

For Charlie, juggling a best mate and a hot date is hard work.

“Turn Around”, the first film directed by Samantha Saunders, screened at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and at the “Message Sticks” event at the Sydney Opera House.

Mimi

Director: Warwick Thornton
Australia, 12:50 min, 2002, 35 mm, Colour

When a cheeky Mimi creature inhabits an art buyer’s pantry, she has to call in an expert.

Warwick Thornton directed and shot “Willigens Fitzroy,” which received a commendation at the 2001 Sydney Film Festival's Dendy Awards. Thornton was also cinematographer on Rachel Perkins' debut 1997 feature film “Radiance.”

Wind

Director: Ivan Sen
Australia, 34:00 min, 1999, 35 mm, Colour

An Aboriginal tracker’s loyalty is tested as he helps a white police officer hunt down an Aboriginal on the run.

From 1994, Ivan Sen has built an extensive filmography comprising documentaries and prize-winning short dramas. His first shorts, “Tears,” “Wind”, and “Dust” have travelled the globe to wide critical acclaim. His first feature film, “Beneath Clouds”, won the Australian Film Institute’s Best Director Award.