Following YPRL’s recent endorsement of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, we are eager to continue to share the knowledge, history and culture of Indigenous Australians, whether it be reading books, listening to podcasts or watching documentaries by First Nations Communities, YPRL is here to help you find those resources!
With that in mind, for those that would like to broaden their understanding (but maybe don’t want to pick up a book), here are some excellent documentaries to help you explore the rich history and culture, the social struggles of recognition, identity, and impacts of colonisation experienced by Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders.
There is also an amazing resource list that was put together for NAIDOC 2023 on Kanopy; a free streaming service that you can access with YPRL! You’ll find an extensive list of footage from the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, documentaries following trailblazers in the arts, social justice, and much more.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander [viewers, listeners, readers] are advised that the following links to these programs may contain images, footage and voices of people who have died.
In My Blood it Runs
This documentary presents an intimate and compassionate observations from the perspective of a 10-year-old Aboriginal boy in Alice Springs, Australia, struggling to balance his traditional Arrernte/Garrwa upbringing with a state education.
Incarceration Nation
This factual and emotive documentary examines the connection between relentless government intervention since colonisation to the trauma and disadvantage experiences by Indigenous Australians - the two key drivers of incarceration.
Our Generation
The original version of the ground-breaking Indigenous rights documentary Our Generation.
Featuring the stories of the remote Yolngu of Northeast Arnhem Land, one of the last strongholds of traditional Aboriginal culture in Australia, as well as the voices of national Indigenous leaders, historians and human rights activists, the film explores the ongoing clash of cultures that is threatening to wipe out the oldest living culture in the world. You can also find this documentary for free here.
My Name is Gulpilil
"I'm an actor, I'm a dancer, I'm a singer and also, a painter. This film is about me. This is my story of my story." David Gulpilil is an iconic figure of Australian cinema and his legacy continues to be appreciated and impactful. His mesmerising, electrifying presence has leapt off the big screen and changed Australian screen representation forever. His legacy is maintained with his last great work, My Name is Gulpilil.
Kanyini
Kanyini is a story told by an Aboriginal man, Bob Randall, who lives beside the greatest monolith in the world, Uluru. Based on Bob’s own personal journey and the wisdom he learnt from the old people living in the bush, Bob tells the tale of why Indigenous people are now struggling in a modern world and what needs to be done for Indigenous people to move forward.
Wash My Soul in the River's Flow
Wash My Soul in the River's Flow is a cinematic reinvention of a legendary concert that premiered in 2004. Kura Tungar-Songs from the River was a collaboration between First Nations singer-songwriters Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter working with Paul Grabowsky and the 22-piece Australian Art Orchestra. Using footage combining conversations, rehearsals, and the opening night, with breathtaking images of Hunter's Ngarrindjeri country in South Australia, the film is a portrait of artists at the peak of their powers and a profoundly moving story of loss, love, and what it means to truly come 'home'.
Another Country
David Gulpilil tells the story of when his people's way of life was interrupted by ours, by forcibly imposing a new culture over an old culture, and the consequent clashes with all manner of things.
The Australian Dream
The remarkable story of Indigenous AFL legend Adam Goodes. Through the backdrop of Goodes' journey, the feature documentary explores race, identity and belonging in Australia today.