Shining a spotlight on indigenous stories, the Northern Territory Travelling Film Festival, coinciding with National Reconciliation week, boasts a program full of a diverse range of films. Showcasing work from filmmakers from the NT, the festival has a particular focus on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory.
The festival will be screening in iconic locations such as Snow Kedda Park in Alice Springs, Tennant creek, Nitmiluk National Park, and in the town of Jabiru in Kakadu. In addition to these locations, there will be screenings and workshops with some of the filmmakers in remote communities to encourage the next generation of storytellers.
Clocking in at 126 minutes, the program highlights some of the most moving, atmospheric, funny and stunningly shot short films in Australia.
There is something for everyone to enjoy as part of the festival. Some of the highlights from the festival include the thoughtful Finding Maawirrangga, beautiful BAKALA and the light comedy Nulla Nulla.
In Finding Maawirrangga we follow one man’s journey as he embarks on a quest to learn Dhumbul, the Morning Star Ceremony and to find the legendary, sandy island of Maawirrangga. This short film is the beautiful journey of a man who was uprooted from his Arnhem Land home as a teenager and, forty year later, returns to his grandmother’s country to reconnect with his culture.
The beautiful and poignant BAKALA tells the story of Steve ‘Bakala’ Wurramara an Anindilyakwa man who is living with a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. The film explores themes of ancient curses, traditional bush medicine and Bakala’s own journey to unlock the secrets of his Ancestors. BAKALA is a visually stunning short film which will captivate viewers immediately.
Meanwhile, light comedy Nulla Nulla takes a humours look at a rookie cop, fresh from the academy, as he gets his first taste of indigenous community life. This short film keeps the audience laughing as the rookie cop tries to put an end to two grandmothers fight over a man. It’s a light hearted film with a hint of a western feel to it.
These films and many more make up the packed program for the festival. Locals and visitors alike will see amazing stories from some of the brightest filmmakers in Australia. There is plenty of films to make you laugh and cry. It’s a wonderful showcase of the amazing talent of these filmmakers. You can check out the dates for the festival and buy tickets below.
Northern Territory Travelling Film Festival
Alice Springs: Friday 25 May – Free event in partnership with Tangentyere Town Camps
Tennant Creek: Saturday 26 May – Ticketed In partnership with Barkly Arts
Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine: Sunday 3 June – Ticketed, in iconic location next to the gorge for residents and tourists
Kakadu National Park: Saturday 9 June – Ticketed for residents and tourists
Cost: $12
To book tickets and more information click here
Northern Territory Travelling Film Festival is supported by the Northern Territory Government through Festivals NT and Tourism NT, Darwin Film Society and ACCOMPLICE.
