Celebrate Indigenous films from across the globe at the Birrarangga Film Festival. Taking place from March 23-28, audiences can anticipate an inspiring collection of stories from First Nations filmmakers, screening at the Capitol, ACMI, Lido Cinemas, Classic Cinemas, the Victorian Pride Centre and Federation Square.
Originally ideated by Wurundjeri/Yorta Yorta screen creative Tony Briggs (The Sapphires) and produced by Damienne Pradier, the film festival is a chance for audiences to engage with the stories and ideas of Indigenous storytellers worldwide. This year’s event will include feature-length narratives, documentaries and short films that hail from New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Mexico, Russia, Hawaii and Australia
Bones of Crows (Canada), directed by Marie Clements, will open the festival. Following the journey of a Cree musical prodigy from child to matriarch, it's a moving multi-generational epic of resilience, survival and the pursuit of justice. This special opening night event will be held on March 23 at the Capitol Theatre, RMIT. Tickets are currently on sale.
Other program highlights include the Southern Hemisphere premiere of ÀRRAN 360, a first-of-its-kind project featuring 360-degree works by six leading Sámi artists; A Boy Called Piano (New Zealand), a feature documentary that tells the remarkable story of Fa’amoana’s time as a state ward in the 1960s and the intergenerational impact of these experiences; Sweet As (Australia), an uplifting coming-of-age movie about unconventional friendships and first crushes; and Wildhood (Canada), a film about sexuality and rediscovering Mi’kmaw heritage.
Muru, a New Zealand feature from director Tearepa Kahi will close the festival on March 28. Inspired by actual events, Muru is the story of a local police sergeant, ‘Taffy’ Tāwharau (Cliff Curtis), who must choose between duty, his badge or his people.
“It has been a privilege to pull together the program for our third Birrarangga Film Festival, it’s a process that I have thoroughly enjoyed,” said artistic director Tony Briggs. “As usual, there have been many incredible films that have come our way, including several beautiful works that explore LGBTQIA+ themes. I’m excited to share these powerful stories from Indigenous storytellers, with audiences here in Naarm.”
The film festival will also host thought-provoking panels across a range of topics. If you want more details on these panel discussions, the festival's full program, timings and ticket information, visit the website.
