The Winda Film Festival kicks off its inaugural showcase of curated Indigenous films from across Australia and the world this week. From the Red Centre to Russia, Winda presents a global Indigenous voice.
It’s a diverse and fascinating program, so we’ve narrowed it down to select highlights. Check out the full program at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park this Thursday November 10 – Sunday November 13.
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#INDIGIPOP
Friday November 11, 12pm
#IndigiPOP showcases the impact of urban arts on Indigenous youth and cultural expression. These two documentaries hail from the USA. Mele Murals focuses on the transformative power of art, as two graffiti kings, Estria and Prime, work with a school to merge their craft with the ancient Hawaiian teachings to strengthen storytelling for a new generation of Hawaiians. Dig It If You Can gets up close and personal with Steven Paul Judd. This energetic, accessible and celebrated figure is self-taught. His love for pop culture and Native American art has given him a massive following.
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THREE WISE COUSINS
Sunday November 13, 8pm
Three Wise Cousins is a comedy about Adam, a 22-year-old New Zealand-born Samoan who falls for Mary. On ‘a chance’ encounter he learns that she only will go out with a ‘real island guy’. To impress Mary, he embarks on a journey to Samoa to have his cousins teach him the island ways. From climbing for coconuts to learning how to dance, Adam’s journey to win Mary’s heart will win yours.
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SHORTS FROM THE BUSH
Saturday November 12, 2pm
Curated by Indigenous Community Television (ICTV), these six short films come from remote Australia, with a mix of animation, music clips, drama and documentaries. On Country is an animation of young kids’ drawings and paintings from Ntaria School. This Is Our Country is a music clip about staying healthy and strong. Lucky Billy and Director Max follow the desires of two young, free and ambitious men. Pullija (Hill Kangaroo) and Hand Talk (Marumpu Wangka Kukatja) teach us lessons from elders. This collection is a snapshot of the social change through collaborative storytelling.
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FIRE SONG
Friday November 11, 7pm
Fire Song captures the life of a young gay Native Canadian man, Shane. After his sister commits suicide, he struggles to support his family. His plan had been to go away to college in the fall and convince his secret boyfriend to come with him, but torn between responsibilities at home and the promise of freedom calling from the city, he has to choose between his family and his dreams.
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JOURNEY TOWARDS RECONCILIATION
Friday November 11, 3:30pm
Recently the Canadian Government held a Royal Commission into the effects of Indian Residential Schools, which forcibly removed children from their communities. Journey Towards Reconciliation follows a group of young people who accompanied the Commission to learn the history and witness testimony from former students, now elders. When the youth turn the camera on themselves to document their personal connection to its legacy, they explore intergenerational trauma, resistance and resilience. This deeply moving and honest documentary takes a look at the hearts and minds of Indigenous youth as they prepare for a future they will one day lead.
For the full Winda Film Festival program and to book, visit the official website.
