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5 Indigenous Australian Films (and 1 TV series) Everyone Should See 5 Indigenous Australian Films (and One TV Series) Everyone Should See
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The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter reflecting the experience (and quirks) of our Australia bureau chief. Sign up to get it by email. Here’s where to find all our Australia and New Zealand coverage.The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter reflecting the experience (and quirks) of our Australia bureau chief. Sign up to get it by email. Here’s where to find all our Australia and New Zealand coverage.
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The Indigenous Department at Screen Australia, the government agency charged with supporting Australian film and television production, is celebrating its 25th year and rather than send a cake, we figured we’d seek out some guidance on what to watch.The Indigenous Department at Screen Australia, the government agency charged with supporting Australian film and television production, is celebrating its 25th year and rather than send a cake, we figured we’d seek out some guidance on what to watch.
Penny Smallacombe heads up the department. A member of the Maramanindji people from the Northern Territory, she sent us her five top movies, plus her favorite television series — all of which are must-see creations from Australia’s Indigenous communities.Penny Smallacombe heads up the department. A member of the Maramanindji people from the Northern Territory, she sent us her five top movies, plus her favorite television series — all of which are must-see creations from Australia’s Indigenous communities.
“This is the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we’ve been funding over the years but these were game changers,” she said in an interview. “They broke through with audiences and had a strong Indigenous point of view.”“This is the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we’ve been funding over the years but these were game changers,” she said in an interview. “They broke through with audiences and had a strong Indigenous point of view.”
I asked her to choose productions that we could all access one way or another. That meant leaving out her favorite film, “Samson and Delilah,” which she raved about, and which she hopes will become more widely available soon.I asked her to choose productions that we could all access one way or another. That meant leaving out her favorite film, “Samson and Delilah,” which she raved about, and which she hopes will become more widely available soon.
In the meantime, here are her picks and why she chose them.In the meantime, here are her picks and why she chose them.
“Sweet Country” (2018)Directed by Warwick Thornton“Sweet Country” (2018)Directed by Warwick Thornton
A period western set in 1929 on the Northern Territory frontier where justice itself is put on trial. It won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and the Platform award at the Toronto International Film Festival.A period western set in 1929 on the Northern Territory frontier where justice itself is put on trial. It won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and the Platform award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The cast includes Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, Hamilton Morris, Ewen Leslie and Thomas M. Wright.The cast includes Sam Neill, Bryan Brown, Hamilton Morris, Ewen Leslie and Thomas M. Wright.
Penny’s Take: “‘Sweet Country’ is one of the most important and exquisite films to come out of this country, from acclaimed director Warwick Thornton, who is recognised around the world. It offers a vital and rich Indigenous perspective of how Aboriginal people have been treated historically.”Penny’s Take: “‘Sweet Country’ is one of the most important and exquisite films to come out of this country, from acclaimed director Warwick Thornton, who is recognised around the world. It offers a vital and rich Indigenous perspective of how Aboriginal people have been treated historically.”
Read The New York Times review.Read The New York Times review.
Watch on iTunes, Google Play, FetchTV.Watch on iTunes, Google Play, FetchTV.
“Mystery Road” (2013)Directed by Ivan Sen“Mystery Road” (2013)Directed by Ivan Sen
An Indigenous cowboy detective, Jay Swan, returns to his outback hometown, to solve the murder of a teenage girl. Alienated from both the white-dominated police force and his own community, Jay stands alone in his determination to fight back for his town and his people.An Indigenous cowboy detective, Jay Swan, returns to his outback hometown, to solve the murder of a teenage girl. Alienated from both the white-dominated police force and his own community, Jay stands alone in his determination to fight back for his town and his people.
The cast includes Aaron Pedersen, Hugo Weaving and Jack Thompson.The cast includes Aaron Pedersen, Hugo Weaving and Jack Thompson.
Penny’s Take: “Director Ivan Sen is one of Australia’s most talented filmmakers. All of his films raise important questions of identity, race and belonging. The strong characters in this film and the intrigue built around them, combined with the incredible West Australian landscape, has allowed for this story to continue beyond this first feature film. The follow-up feature “Goldstone” also received critical acclaim.Penny’s Take: “Director Ivan Sen is one of Australia’s most talented filmmakers. All of his films raise important questions of identity, race and belonging. The strong characters in this film and the intrigue built around them, combined with the incredible West Australian landscape, has allowed for this story to continue beyond this first feature film. The follow-up feature “Goldstone” also received critical acclaim.
Watch on iTunes, Google Play, FetchTV for free on ABC iview until 30 August.Watch on iTunes, Google Play, FetchTV for free on ABC iview until 30 August.
“Spear” (2016)Directed by Stephen Page“Spear” (2016)Directed by Stephen Page
“Spear” is a contemporary Aboriginal story, told through movement and dance, of a young man, Djali, as he journeys through his community to understand what it means to be a man with ancient traditions in a modern world. Spanning from the outback of Australia to the gritty city streets of Sydney, it is a poignant reflection of the continuing cultural connection of Indigenous people.“Spear” is a contemporary Aboriginal story, told through movement and dance, of a young man, Djali, as he journeys through his community to understand what it means to be a man with ancient traditions in a modern world. Spanning from the outback of Australia to the gritty city streets of Sydney, it is a poignant reflection of the continuing cultural connection of Indigenous people.
The cast includes Hunter Page-Lochard (the director’s son) and Aaron Pedersen.The cast includes Hunter Page-Lochard (the director’s son) and Aaron Pedersen.
Penny’s Take: “Spear” provided an opportunity for the first-time film director and current artistic director of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Stephen Page, to cross art forms from dance and into film. This film is stunning cinematically, but also significant because of its ability to bring ancient and contemporary stories about Indigenous life in Australia to the screen. Hunter Page-Lochard, director Stephen Page’s son, and Aaron Pedersen deliver exceptional performances.”Penny’s Take: “Spear” provided an opportunity for the first-time film director and current artistic director of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Stephen Page, to cross art forms from dance and into film. This film is stunning cinematically, but also significant because of its ability to bring ancient and contemporary stories about Indigenous life in Australia to the screen. Hunter Page-Lochard, director Stephen Page’s son, and Aaron Pedersen deliver exceptional performances.”
Watch on iTunes, Google Play, FetchTVWatch on iTunes, Google Play, FetchTV
“The Sapphires” (2012)Directed by Wayne Blair“The Sapphires” (2012)Directed by Wayne Blair
Gail, Cynthia, Julie and Kay are sexy, black, young and talented — and they’ve never set foot outside Australia. Until, in the chaos of 1968, they’re plucked from the obscurity of a remote Aboriginal mission, promoted as Australia’s answer to The Supremes and — grasping the chance of a lifetime — dropped into the jungles of Vietnam to entertain the troops.Gail, Cynthia, Julie and Kay are sexy, black, young and talented — and they’ve never set foot outside Australia. Until, in the chaos of 1968, they’re plucked from the obscurity of a remote Aboriginal mission, promoted as Australia’s answer to The Supremes and — grasping the chance of a lifetime — dropped into the jungles of Vietnam to entertain the troops.
The cast includes Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell and Chris O’Dowd.The cast includes Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell and Chris O’Dowd.
Penny’s Take: “Director Wayne Blair is an incredibly talented filmmaker and the Indigenous Department is proud to have played a key role in supporting his career development. ‘The Sapphires’ told a uniquely Australian story and helped launch the screen careers of some of Australia’s most accomplished Indigenous actors, including Miranda Tapsell, Shari Sebbens and Jessica Mauboy. This feel-good film also has great music!Penny’s Take: “Director Wayne Blair is an incredibly talented filmmaker and the Indigenous Department is proud to have played a key role in supporting his career development. ‘The Sapphires’ told a uniquely Australian story and helped launch the screen careers of some of Australia’s most accomplished Indigenous actors, including Miranda Tapsell, Shari Sebbens and Jessica Mauboy. This feel-good film also has great music!
Watch on Google Play, FetchTV, iTunes, Netflix.Watch on Google Play, FetchTV, iTunes, Netflix.
“Toomelah” (2011)Directed by Ivan Sen“Toomelah” (2011)Directed by Ivan Sen
In a remote Aboriginal community, 10-year-old Daniel yearns to be a “gangster” like the male role models in his life. Skipping school and running drugs for Linden, who runs the main gang in town, Daniel is well on his way, when a rival drug dealer, Bruce, returns from prison and a violent showdown ensues. Daniel is suddenly alone and forced to make a choice for a better future.In a remote Aboriginal community, 10-year-old Daniel yearns to be a “gangster” like the male role models in his life. Skipping school and running drugs for Linden, who runs the main gang in town, Daniel is well on his way, when a rival drug dealer, Bruce, returns from prison and a violent showdown ensues. Daniel is suddenly alone and forced to make a choice for a better future.
Penny’s Take: “‘Toomelah’ is a powerful film that provides a raw insight into a young boys’ life on an mission as he is exposed to the violence, drugs, and alcoholism taking place around him. Selected to play at the Cannes International Film Festival in Un Certain Regard, it showed a side of Indigenous Australia that had rarely been seen.Penny’s Take: “‘Toomelah’ is a powerful film that provides a raw insight into a young boys’ life on an mission as he is exposed to the violence, drugs, and alcoholism taking place around him. Selected to play at the Cannes International Film Festival in Un Certain Regard, it showed a side of Indigenous Australia that had rarely been seen.
Watch on iTunesWatch on iTunes
“Redfern Now” (TV Series, 2012 — 2014)Directed by Rachel Perkins, Wayne Blair, Leah Purcell, and Catriona McKenzie“Redfern Now” (TV Series, 2012 — 2014)Directed by Rachel Perkins, Wayne Blair, Leah Purcell, and Catriona McKenzie
“Redfern Now” explores contemporary inner-city Indigenous life. These powerful, moving, funny, bittersweet stories focus on a diverse group of individuals exploring their strength, flaws and resilience. It is a series about extraordinary events in ordinary lives.“Redfern Now” explores contemporary inner-city Indigenous life. These powerful, moving, funny, bittersweet stories focus on a diverse group of individuals exploring their strength, flaws and resilience. It is a series about extraordinary events in ordinary lives.
Penny’s Take: “‘Redfern Now’ was a pivotal moment in Australian television. Written and directed by both emerging and established Indigenous filmmakers, the series enriched Australian television screens with authentic contemporary Indigenous stories being told by a collection of our nation’s best storytellers. The string of awards the series won is testament to its well-crafted development.”Penny’s Take: “‘Redfern Now’ was a pivotal moment in Australian television. Written and directed by both emerging and established Indigenous filmmakers, the series enriched Australian television screens with authentic contemporary Indigenous stories being told by a collection of our nation’s best storytellers. The string of awards the series won is testament to its well-crafted development.”
Watch on Google Play, iTunes and Netflix.Watch on Google Play, iTunes and Netflix.
Got another film to suggest? Bring it to our NYT Australia Facebook group (where we have updated our comments moderation process and welcomed a few new additions to the bureau).Got another film to suggest? Bring it to our NYT Australia Facebook group (where we have updated our comments moderation process and welcomed a few new additions to the bureau).
Now here are a few must-read New York Times articles from the past week, handpicked by me for all of you.Now here are a few must-read New York Times articles from the past week, handpicked by me for all of you.
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This narrative by Nathaniel Rich in The New York Times Magazine (taking up the whole issue, actually) is an ambitious work of history about the 10-year period from 1979 to 1989 — when humankind first came to understand the causes and dangers of climate change, and then didn’t deal with it.This narrative by Nathaniel Rich in The New York Times Magazine (taking up the whole issue, actually) is an ambitious work of history about the 10-year period from 1979 to 1989 — when humankind first came to understand the causes and dangers of climate change, and then didn’t deal with it.
The article includes photos and videos from some of the places most affected, including Australia.The article includes photos and videos from some of the places most affected, including Australia.
It’s among the most sweeping and impressive pieces of journalism we’ll publish all year. Set aside some time for it.It’s among the most sweeping and impressive pieces of journalism we’ll publish all year. Set aside some time for it.
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Remember Coles and its back flip over plastic bags?Remember Coles and its back flip over plastic bags?
Well here’s a potential long-term solution for all of us: plastics that actually decompose. Chemists are hard at work right now on polymers or plastics with a built-in self-destruct mechanism.Well here’s a potential long-term solution for all of us: plastics that actually decompose. Chemists are hard at work right now on polymers or plastics with a built-in self-destruct mechanism.
If only they’d thought of that a few decades and a few billion plastic bags ago!If only they’d thought of that a few decades and a few billion plastic bags ago!
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The Hollywood bigwigs who run the Oscars have announced a new award category, for popular films, which could cause some trouble. What do you do with blockbusters that could be “best picture” nominees?The Hollywood bigwigs who run the Oscars have announced a new award category, for popular films, which could cause some trouble. What do you do with blockbusters that could be “best picture” nominees?
They’re also trying to cut the awards show from a yawn-inducing four hours to a more manageable three. I’ll believe it when I see it.They’re also trying to cut the awards show from a yawn-inducing four hours to a more manageable three. I’ll believe it when I see it.
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Chris Collins, a Republican congressman from upstate New York and one of President Trump’s earliest supporters, is accused of having urged relatives to sell stock in a new drug to avoid losses.Chris Collins, a Republican congressman from upstate New York and one of President Trump’s earliest supporters, is accused of having urged relatives to sell stock in a new drug to avoid losses.
The company? Innate Immunotherapeutics Limited, a small drugmaker in Australia, which had no approved drugs but several well-placed allies in Washington.The company? Innate Immunotherapeutics Limited, a small drugmaker in Australia, which had no approved drugs but several well-placed allies in Washington.
Last year we wrote about that. Even then, the connections were causing suspicion.Last year we wrote about that. Even then, the connections were causing suspicion.
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You can find all our Australia and New Zealand coverage on our Australia page.You can find all our Australia and New Zealand coverage on our Australia page.
Here are a few stories from the past two weeks that you shouldn’t miss:Here are a few stories from the past two weeks that you shouldn’t miss:
• Raised on Rugby: In New Zealand, creating the next generation of All Blacks involves the crucial step of forming elite scholastic teams, like the boys of Gisborne Boys’ High School.• Raised on Rugby: In New Zealand, creating the next generation of All Blacks involves the crucial step of forming elite scholastic teams, like the boys of Gisborne Boys’ High School.
• In Suburban South Australia, Real-Deal Mexican Hides in Plain Sight: Our critic, Besha Rodell, found fresh tortillas and memorable Mexican food far from where anyone might expect.• In Suburban South Australia, Real-Deal Mexican Hides in Plain Sight: Our critic, Besha Rodell, found fresh tortillas and memorable Mexican food far from where anyone might expect.
• ‘Race Politics Is Back,’ but What Does That Mean? Australia’s race commissioner exited office with an indictment of race-baiting commentators and politicians. Here are excerpts from his speech, annotated with context and data.• ‘Race Politics Is Back,’ but What Does That Mean? Australia’s race commissioner exited office with an indictment of race-baiting commentators and politicians. Here are excerpts from his speech, annotated with context and data.
Also popular among our Australian readers this week:Also popular among our Australian readers this week:
• A Dream Ended on a Mountain Road: The Cyclists and the ISIS Militants• A Dream Ended on a Mountain Road: The Cyclists and the ISIS Militants
• Trumps Tariffs Are Changing Trade With China. Here Are 2 Emerging Endgames• Trumps Tariffs Are Changing Trade With China. Here Are 2 Emerging Endgames
• Donald Trump Jr.’s Potential Legal Troubles, Explained• Donald Trump Jr.’s Potential Legal Troubles, Explained
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It’s not out yet, but “Crazy Rich Asians” is looking like quite a game-changer and a potential hit.It’s not out yet, but “Crazy Rich Asians” is looking like quite a game-changer and a potential hit.
Its inspiration is the popular novel by Kevin Kwan, which has already sold millions of copies. The cast includes stars like Constance Wu.Its inspiration is the popular novel by Kevin Kwan, which has already sold millions of copies. The cast includes stars like Constance Wu.
As Robert Ito wrote in his piece this week: “For Asian and Asian-American viewers, the film [which opens Aug. 30 in Australia] is important not just as something of a cinematic Halley’s comet — before “The Joy Luck Club,” there was “The Flower Drum Song” in 1961, and then, what? There’s also an eager hope that if this movie succeeds, it just might stave off another quarter-century drought.”As Robert Ito wrote in his piece this week: “For Asian and Asian-American viewers, the film [which opens Aug. 30 in Australia] is important not just as something of a cinematic Halley’s comet — before “The Joy Luck Club,” there was “The Flower Drum Song” in 1961, and then, what? There’s also an eager hope that if this movie succeeds, it just might stave off another quarter-century drought.”
Here are the actors discussing the casting process and working on the film.Here are the actors discussing the casting process and working on the film.
And here’s an interesting question from Sarah Imm in our Facebook group: Have you noticed the changes happening in the United States where more Asian-Americans are visible in the press and media? What about here in Australia?And here’s an interesting question from Sarah Imm in our Facebook group: Have you noticed the changes happening in the United States where more Asian-Americans are visible in the press and media? What about here in Australia?