Series/Themes: Historical Themes, Political and Social Issues

Genre: Documentaries, International

Film Year: 2015

Locations: Australia

Film Length: 97 min.

Director: Nicole Ma

Featuring: Tom 'Putuparri' Lawford, Nyilpirr Ngalyaku 'Spider' Snell, Jukuja Dolly Snell.

This powerful documentary explores the complex indigenous and colonial history of Australia through the story of Tom ‘Putuparri’ Lawford. Like many other aborigines, Putuparri and his family were moved off their native desert lands of Western Australia to a small modernized town plagued by drug use. In an attempt to help Putuparri rediscover his cultural roots, his grandfather takes him back to their desert homeland. Director Nicole Ma documents Putuparri’s ten year journey of navigating his complex relationship between the temptations of the modern world and the importance of carrying on the rituals and traditions of his Indigenous culture. Introduction by Margo Smith (Kluge-Ruhe).  Discussion with Ngarralja Tommy May (Wangkajunga and Walmajarri Elder and Artist), Wes Maselli  (Mangkaja Arts Coordinator), moderated by Henry Skerritt (Kluge-Ruhe)

 

Supported by Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection