25 Years of Deadly storytelling

Standing L-R: Ivan Sen, Shari Sebbens, Warwick Thornton, Aaron Fa’Aoso, Hunter Page-Lochard

Seated L-R: Tasia Zalar, Penny Smallacombe, Elaine Crombie, Leah Purcell, Rob Collins, Rachel Perkins, Dylan River

Indigenous industry veterans and emerging artists have marked 25 years of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department.

In attendance at an event at Carriageworks, Redfern today were director Rachel Perkins (Mystery Road, Bran Nue Dae), director and actor Leah Purcell (Redfern Now, Wentworth), and directors Ivan Sen (Mystery Road, Goldstone), Dylan River (Nulla Nulla) and Warwick Thornton (Samson & Delilah, Sweet Country).

They were joined by Rob Collins (Cleverman), Elaine Crombie (8MMM, Kiki and Kitty), Aaron Fa’Aoso (Little J & Big Cuz, The Straits), Aaron McGrath (Mystery Road, Glitch, Jasper Jones), Hunter Page-Lochard (Spear, Cleverman) and Tasia Zalar (Mystery Road, The Warriors).

Penny Smallacombe Head of Indigenous at Screen Australia, said, “When Wal Saunders set up the Indigenous Department in 1993, it would have been unthinkable that over 160 First Nations screen stories would end up being made. Twenty five years later, it’s unthinkable to imagine the Australian screen industry without our Indigenous stories and the people who tell them.

“This anniversary is an incredibly special moment in Australia’s cultural history, and one that Indigenous people can treasure.”

“Today I looked around the room and saw 25 years of progress personified,” she noted, “For instance, Warwick Thornton and Rachel Perkins were part of the very first short film series funded by the Indigenous Department, and a quarter of century later Warwick is a Caméra d’Or-winning director and Rachel just helmed the most successful ABC iview drama in history – Mystery Road. And significantly, new names such as Dylan River, Aaron McGrath and Tasia Zalar have worked on projects from both Warwick and Rachel, so we’re seeing generational and sustained changed. I cannot tell you how significant that is, knowing that young Indigenous people will grow up seeing themselves on screen.”

ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie said in a statement: “Congratulations to Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department for its crucial role over 25 years in developing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and talent. Together with the ABC’s own Indigenous department, we have ignited conversations and engaged audiences, building greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture. I would also like to pay special tribute to Sally Riley for her invaluable work in re-invigorating Indigenous content and storytellers.”

ABC Head Drama, Comedy & Indigenous Sally Riley (who was Head of Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department from 2000-2010) said: “At the heart of our work are Indigenous filmmakers – the visionary writers, directors, producers and crew who share their personal experiences and take our audiences into the world of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. The ABC is extremely proud to be part of this journey that is far from over. Let’s keep making stories that push boundaries, defy expectations and are bloody entertaining.”

The Indigenous screen community will formally mark the anniversary this evening with a showcase at Carriageworks. The event is being staged with the generous support of the ABC and NITV, plus Film Victoria, Screenwest, Documentary Australia Foundation, Shark Island Institute, Adelaide Film Festival and Carriageworks.

Photo credit: Daniel Boud for Screen Australia