A documentary called Ocean Music, featuring Gamilaroi musician/surfer Tom Avery, will premiere in Lismore tomorrow evening.
Tom Avery, who is also known as Blakboi, wrote and edited the documentary, and was also the assistant producer and director.
It tells the story of his family and culture, and their strong connections to the Bundjalung nation.
Mullumbimby-based film company Turtle Films and SBS/NITV helped him produce the film as part of a mentorship program.
‘It was a lot of fun and something I have been dreaming up for years,’ he said.
‘I knew all my old videos and photos would come in handy one day.
‘I have made a few film pieces over the years but Ocean Music has been the most intense.
‘I had to get it right because I was telling the story of my whole family. I had to keep everyone up to date with my ideas and stay open to their input.’
‘The process from start to finish was about 3-4 weeks but I have used video and photos from as far back as the late 1800’s.’
The premiere will take place at Tommy’s Tavern in Lismore on Thursday at 5:30pm. Before the film airs Dj Terra Nullis from Byron Bay’s BayFM will interview the Director, Producer and cast followed by Blakboi playing a few songs from the film.
The Unofficial Art Exhibition/After Party will take place upstairs from Tommy’s Tavern in the Tales of the Seven Art Studio straight after the film.
Local artists Jeremy Austin and Justin Livingston will be exhibiting a collection of pieces and Hiphop outfit TLK (formerly supafresh) will perform.
Anyone unable to attend can watch documentary at home at 6:30pm on NITV.
