MOVING the PICTURES
I didn't
really set out to become a film-maker, I was attempting to learn about my own
Polynesian heritage, and creatively following a rambling path of
cross-cultural visual arts themes that unexpectedly immersed me in an intense
chapter of study in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural
awareness and youth justice issues.
My slow-dawning realisations
about the history of conditions for the Indigenous people of Australia
have shamed me so powerfully, that I have sought to craft the words and
images that now boil inside of me into an offering of my creative
contribution to the steep climb towards achieving equality,
recognition, social justice and security for Aboriginal Australia.
Thus, many of my filmic works lend voice to a collective story,
reflective of so many of my recent learning encounters with a diverse
group of beautiful Murri and Goori people and powerful, cultural
educators.
As an infant film-maker, I know
that I have been blessed by my exposure to the cultural teachings and
creative opportunities offered to me by such a remarkable group of
elders and teachers.
As an infant film-maker, I know
that I have been blessed by my exposure to the cultural teachings and
creative opportunities offered to me by such a remarkable group of
elders and teachers.
Aunty Flo Watson has been a catalyst and guiding
light for much of my cultural learning. Her friendship and openness
have meant very much to me, I have observed her to be a dignified
stateswoman and exponent of progressive reconciliation and Indigenous
protocol and much of my thanks must go to her.
The generosity of so
many in sharing knowledge has guided me in my attempts to begin to
understand the process of reconciliation. I am humbled by the gifting
of their wisdom. Respectfully, I wish to
acknowledge the original people of this land, the ancient ones and all
those who were here before us. I acknowledge the traditional owners of
the land, and I give thanks for the presence of great spirit that
dwells in all beings.
I wish to thank Josephine Calman for urging me to make the connection, I thank the Turrabul elders, Maroochy and Aunty Connie, and Garamgar elder, Vanessa Fisher for granting permission for me to work and to undertake my cultural studies in their traditional homelands when I first began this journey in 2000. Heartfelt thanks for generous permissions to film and interview go to the Aunties; Flo Watson, Mary Graham, Bundjalahm Patsy Nagas, Debbie (Lol'), Veronica Wynn, Janice Barnes, Ada Simpson, Lilla Watson, Sandra Morgan, Jeanette Brown and Amy Atkins.
Thank you to the Uncles; John Roberts, Owen Booloo Gubbamurri, Adrian Burragubba, Sonny Dallas Law, the McAvoy clan, Wally Warria, Tim Kemp, Steven Kemp, Khalim Terare and Uncle Charlie (I sure do miss your beautiful smile, Uncle...). Thank you to Fred and Michael and the NWAICA dancers.
I wish to thank Josephine Calman for urging me to make the connection, I thank the Turrabul elders, Maroochy and Aunty Connie, and Garamgar elder, Vanessa Fisher for granting permission for me to work and to undertake my cultural studies in their traditional homelands when I first began this journey in 2000. Heartfelt thanks for generous permissions to film and interview go to the Aunties; Flo Watson, Mary Graham, Bundjalahm Patsy Nagas, Debbie (Lol'), Veronica Wynn, Janice Barnes, Ada Simpson, Lilla Watson, Sandra Morgan, Jeanette Brown and Amy Atkins.
Thank you to the Uncles; John Roberts, Owen Booloo Gubbamurri, Adrian Burragubba, Sonny Dallas Law, the McAvoy clan, Wally Warria, Tim Kemp, Steven Kemp, Khalim Terare and Uncle Charlie (I sure do miss your beautiful smile, Uncle...). Thank you to Fred and Michael and the NWAICA dancers.
Thanks to Penny Mullen, Tammy Pope, Leah Purcell and the students at the
Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts, POETIC MURRIZ, Chana Beck and the Wollumbin
Dreaming Festival, Bundjalung Dancers, Cherbourg Community Council,
John Armstrong at the Hub (B.B.S.B.) and North West Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander Community Association.
Thank you hugely to my ‘Bahn Uncles', Professor Pat Laughren and the marvellous Charlie Strachan for your deep wisdom and refined guidance throughout my chaotic staggerings through Griffith Film School. Thank you Trish Fitzsimons for trusting me to get there and for offering me a chance. Motivated by an intense desire to connect and communicate meaningfully with the world, my creative energies have sought for and found a tremendous degree of challenge and satisfaction in making videographic digital films. I truly love this work, it captivates every fibre of my intellect and urges me to creatively problem-solve at every stage.
Thank you hugely to my ‘Bahn Uncles', Professor Pat Laughren and the marvellous Charlie Strachan for your deep wisdom and refined guidance throughout my chaotic staggerings through Griffith Film School. Thank you Trish Fitzsimons for trusting me to get there and for offering me a chance. Motivated by an intense desire to connect and communicate meaningfully with the world, my creative energies have sought for and found a tremendous degree of challenge and satisfaction in making videographic digital films. I truly love this work, it captivates every fibre of my intellect and urges me to creatively problem-solve at every stage.
The
great gift of cultural learning opportunities afforded me by so many
radiant and intelligent people has empowered and enriched my life
immeasurably. Thank you.
Recently produced short films - 2006 - 2008