NITV: Reconciliation Week 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this post may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

In 2024 there’s not a lot of content to mark Reconciliation Week.

But NITV has several titles worth noting.

Kindred:
Sunday 2 June at 8.30pm on NITV.

Feature length documentary, Kindred, will premiere on NITV during National Reconciliation Week.

Written and directed by Adrian Russell Wills (Redfern Now, Wentworth, RFDS) and Gillian Moody (Family Rules, Black Divaz), the 90-minute film is a journey into the emotional landscape of family, love and loss experienced by two close friends, both Aboriginal, who were adopted by white families and have connected back with their bloodline families.

Twenty-five years after making their first film together, Moody and Russell Wills turned to each other to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of coming to grips with their childhood adoptions. This is the story of Kindred – two best friends who tell their stories of supporting each other while reconnecting their bloodlines.

The documentary consists of archival footage, dramatic recreations and candid interviews with family members and the documentary subjects themselves. Shot in numerous locations across Australia, Kindred weaves together two personal narratives while exploring themes of family, identity, culture, belonging, racism, trauma and more.

Marissa McDowell, a proud Wiradyuri woman and Head of Commissions at NITV, said: “We’re thrilled to share this incredible documentary from Adrian and Gillian, which shares a story that many Indigenous peoples can relate to. We hope that the powerful messages shared in Kindred connect with all Australian audiences, particularly during National Reconciliation Week, a time of reflection and learning.“

Writers and Directors, Adrian Russell Wills and Gillian Moody, said: “We invite you into our story of friendship and the bond that brought us together, being adopted. Kindred explores what it feels like living in two worlds, one black and one white. It looks at the importance of discovering your place in the world and realising that home and love can truly be found in the people and places your heart connects to. Kindred comes from our hearts and the generous hearts of many in our family. We hope you enjoy it.”

Angela Bates, Head of First Nations at Screen Australia said: “Kindred filmmakers, Gillian Moody and Adrian Wells have crafted a moving documentary that invites audiences to embark on their deeply personal journey of discovering their place in the world. Through their lens, we witness the strength of friendship, unconditional love, the power of cultural connection, and identity. We’re incredibly proud that we were able to support Gillian and Adrian to tell their story – the way they wanted to, and for Australian audiences to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations experiences.”

Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth, said: “This is such a relevant, personal, and deeply moving documentary that examines self-identity, family connection, love and loss, and is a story that many First Nations people around the country know too well. Documentaries like this are important to examine and reflect on our nation’s history, and Screen NSW was privileged to support this film.”

Kindred is a Kalori Productions production for NITV. Principal production investment from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with Screen NSW. Financed with support from NITV. Produced by Gillian Moody and Tom Zubrycki.

Living Black
Monday, 3 June at 8.30pm on NITV
Episode Seven: Candy Devine – Entertainer Extraordinaire
Meriam woman Faye Guivarra blazed a trail around the world as a singer, actress and broadcaster for over 40 years under the stage name Candy Devine. She’s received incredible accolades, including being inducted into the Irish Broadcasting Hall of fame, and even received an MBE from the Queen. Karla Grant travelled to Brisbane for lunch with Aunty Faye and her son, celebrity chef, Alistair McLeod and granddaughter and singer, Sascha McLeod. Watch as Faye recounts how she became an entertainer extraordinaire.

Mabo: Life Of An Island Man rpt
Monday, 3 June at 9.05pm on NITV
A man ahead of his time, Eddie Koiki Mabo, left an incredible legacy to the people of Australia, reshaping the landscape and opening up possibilities that many never dreamed of. Mabo: Life of An Island Man is the AFI Award winning film about the gently spoken public and private man, and his inspirational triumph of justice in one of the most important developments in Australian history.

Wik Vs Queensland rpt
Monday, 3 June at 10.40pm on NITV
This landmark feature documentary surrounds the historical court decision in 1996 by the High Court of Australia, granting native title to the Wik People of Cape York, and the demonisation that followed at the hands of politicians and media. With unique access to the key players of that moment in history including Patrick Dodson, and featuring never-before seen footage of the two (then) young lawyers, Noel Pearson and Marcia Langton, Wik Vs Queensland tells a very personal story set against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in Queensland’s history.

Movie: Bran Nue Dae rpt
Thursday, 6 June at 9.30pm on NITV
It’s the summer of 1969 and young Willie is filled with the life of the idyllic old pearling port Broome, in the North of Western Australia – fishing, hanging out with his mates, and when he can, his girl Rosie. Yet his mother has great hopes for him, and returns him to the religious mission in Perth for further schooling. After being punished by for an act of youthful rebellion, Willie runs away from the mission. But to where? He’s too ashamed to go home and break his mother’s heart. Down on his luck, he meets an old fella, who he calls ‘Uncle’ Tadpole, and together they con a couple of hippies into taking them on the 2,500 km journey back to Broome. Willie learns the hard and funny lessons he needs to get home, all the while pursued by the mission’s priest. Starring Ernie Dingo, Jessica Mauboy and Geoffrey Rush