Ipswich NAIDOC Week Indigenous Spotlight Shorts – 2024

Ngurrawaana

Yindjibarndi man Wimiya Woodley takes us on an immersive journey of self-discovery back to his homelands. Originally established by his grandfather Woodley King, Ngurrawaana was set up as a place of rejuvenation and recovery for Yindjibarndi people who had lost their way. Wimiya shows us how being back in his country helps his people find their spirit and power amongst their ancestors.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

To Be Silent

Noongar and Spinifex Aboriginal woman Tace Stevens explores the impact of code-switching on her identity, before revealing what led her to embrace the power of standing firm in who she is, no matter where she is.

Just Beneath The Surface

On a fishing trip, a man struggles with a strange and menacing ocean. Will he fight against nature’s forces, or submit to its power?
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
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Allira

A famous Aboriginal actress must make a decision. Leave her unfaithful husband or stay with him and maintain their rare position as positive representatives of Aboriginal people in the mainstream media.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

Djalbuyan Nahra

Djalbuyan, meaning little sister in the first nations Dyirbal language follows the story of Nahra. Taken from her community, Nahra returns home to confront past traumas and reconnect with her people, land, and waters after 8 years away.
NSW PREMIERE
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Baban Darrang (Mother Tree)

Baban darrang celebrates the journey of Wurundjeri-willam / Dja Dja wurrung / Ngurai illum wurrung woman Mandy Nicholson, exploring the ways we embody, grow, nurture, and transmit knowledge and culture over time. And how we do this both on an individual and community level through honoring our Ancestors. Baban Darrang reflects on Mandy’s journey of seeking out and connecting with knowledge throughout her life. In striving to revive culture and language, Mandy has evolved to become a powerful knowledge-holder, standing tall and grounded in the strength she has gained through connecting with Country and Ancestors.

Tjawinaku Tjukurrpa

Mrs Porter lived her life in a desert country, a world away from the cities of Australia. It’s an arid land – a beautiful land – a network of water sources that are ours. The richness of Mrs Porter’s knowledge and skill comes from a life spanning immense societal change. Thanks to the power of her storytelling and her endless generosity, Mrs Porter continues to give not just to her families, but to the entire world.
NSW PREMIERE

Bangay Lore

Baŋgay Lore, meaning spear in the Dyirabal language of Far North QLD, showcases how aboriginal culture is perceived when it is performed on stage, and when it is expressed in everyday society. Exploring limitations wrongly placed on the expression of aboriginal culture, it follows the journey of a young aboriginal dancer as he struggles with acceptance of his culture outside of the theatre.
WORLD PREMIERE

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Katele (Mudskipper)

Martha, a Torres Strait Islander woman works tirelessly in a laundromat loading machines and folding washing, ready for the collection of her boss. When a mysterious visitor arrives, Martha is reminded of the life she has left behind.
WORLD PREMIERE