Life from an Aboriginal perspective

From Sand to Celluloid
A collection of new works from indigenous film makers screening nationally
Reviewed by Grant Gilbert

This powerful collection of six short films takes you on an emotional journey through life from the Aboriginal perspective. The films deal with a range of issues from Aboriginal deaths in custody to relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

One of the most powerful and effective films is No Way to Forget, written and directed by Richard Franklin and produced by John Foss. It is based on Franklin's experiences as a field officer during the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Viewers are confronted with the deaths and their effects on the families.

Another film, Two Bob Mermaid, written and directed by Darlene Johnson and produced by Antonian Barnard, is set in the 1950s. It is about Korrine, a fair-skinned Aboriginal girl who is able to "pass for white" at the local swimming pool and pursue her dream to be a famous swimmer. She soon realises, however, that in doing this she is denying her culture and family.

Some of the films will have you in tears, others will leave you questioning why, while still others will open your mind and lift your spirit. From Sand to Celluloid is not to be missed and marks a great future for indigenous film makers.

The festival has already toured Adelaide and Sydney. Details for the remainder of the tour are: Melbourne, April 19-21, George Cinema; Perth, April 22-24, Lumiere Cinema; Cairns, May 19, Palace Independent Cinema; Brisbane, May 26, Metway Cinema.

From GLW issue 225