Description
MESSAGE STICKS FESTIVAL 2012
Recommended for students in years 9 – 12
For over a decade Message Sticks has been showcasing award-winning Indigenous films from Australia and around the world, with a proud history of premiering the finest Australian works including Ivan Sen’s Beneath Clouds, Warwick Thornton’s Samson and Delilah and Beck Cole’s Here I Am. This specially curated schools program by Artistic Director, Rhoda Roberts, will give students a broader understanding of Indigenous peoples and their cultures.
Each session will include a Q&A led by our educators, offering students a rare opportunity to meet the filmmakers, actors and curators of the Festival.
Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Book early to avoid disappointment.
CURRICULUM & TOPIC LINKS
STAGE 5
History: Changing Rights and Freedoms Photographic & Digital Media: The Conceptual Framework, Artwork, Audience World.
STAGE 6
Aboriginal Studies: Social Justice and Human Rights Issues, Aboriginality and the Land, Heritage and Identity Society & Culture: The Social and Cultural World, Intercultural Communication, Social and Cultural Continuity and Change, Belief Systems, Equality and Difference
May also be relevant to students studying: Drama, English and Entertainment Industry
Please note: Due to an unavoidable scheduling issue, Message Sticks Festival dates have been changed from 22-23 March to 29 -30 March 2012. Session times will remain the same at 10am and 12:30pm. These new dates are not reflected in the 2012 House Ed Brochure. We apologise for any inconvenience.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL SESSION SYNOPSIS HERE
10am – LIVING THE INTERVENTION
Nana
Filmmaker: Warwick Thornton (5 mins)
Who wouldn’t agree that when we’re little, our grandparents are super heroes who know and can do everything. Nana tells us one of her stories, told from the perspective of a little girl.
Message Sticks Artistic Director, Rhoda Roberts will give an introduction to the film Our Generation. The screening will be followed by Q&A with Rhoda Roberts, Alec Doomadgee and Yolgnu Community representative.
Our Generation
Filmmakers: Sinem Saban & Damien Curtis (52 min)
Our Generation is a ground breaking new documentary on Aboriginal rights, which has ignited a people-power movement across Australia. The film tackles issues head-on, by taking us into the past, and showing how the rapid processes of colonisation have left the lives of the Aboriginal nations like the Yolngu in turmoil. Our Generation is a powerful and unforgettable rollercoaster journey through Australia’s indigenous relations. Most importantly, it opens up dialogue on how Australia can move forward, with true dignity and respect for its First Peoples.
12.30pm - THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FACE OF DAVID GULPILIL
The screenings will be followed by Q&A with Rhoda Roberts and Darlene Johnson, Filmmaker of Gulpilil: One Red Blood
Mimi
Filmmaker: Warwick Thornton (12mins)
At an auction of Aboriginal artefacts, a white woman buys the painting of a fish and a Mimi sculpture. Shortly after bringing them home she discovers strange things happening around her home. Mimi is a hilarious film rich of stereotypes for both black and white characters, with a cameo appearance by David Gulpilil.
Gulpilil: One Red Blood
Filmmaker: Darlene Johnson (56 min)
David Gulpilil lives a spartan and demanding life in tribal Arnhem land. The film shows David at his home in Ramingining in Australia's Northern Territory, and in his other life as a respected film actor. David Gulpilil approached Darlene Johnson to document his life, stressing that there be "no bullshit, and to show people my life and how I really live it".
Also showing as part of Message Sticks 2012…
While you are at Sydney Opera House allow some additional time to wander through the FREE exhibition showing in the western foyers, Under the Beach Umbrella. 2012 sees the 40th celebration of the tent embassy and this powerful exhibition captures moments of the struggle with recent released images from the ASIO files. Find out more.
Venue: Playhouse
Dates: 29 - 30 March
Duration: 90 minutes including Q&A