From the bizzare to the sublime to the woven, the Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest and iQ Inc were thrilled to present their annual evening of inspiring Aboriginal storytelling through short film, last night in Byron Bay.
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2023 with this year’s theme ‘For Our Elders’, the Byron Theatre was full to the brim – the event was introduced by local Arakwal traditional custodian Theresa Nicholls.
Nine short films were presented fresh from their Flickerfest selection, celebrating the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander films from across the country, including local film Bangay Lore by award winning First Nations filmmaker Jahvis Loveday, shot in Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay. Bangay Lore was introduced by First Nations actor Coedie McCarthy who stars in the film and grew up in Mullumbimby.
Woven donkeys and cats
Highlights of the night were two animated films, Tangki (Donkey) and Kukaputju (The Hunter) with delightful stories told by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers who also crafted the characters in the films.
Also on the bill was the very strange Bunker: The Last Fleet a story told on an Earth, that for six years has been occupied by extra-terrestrial invaders – and a little bit spooky, Wirnitj, a story of the supernatural phenomena of stones raining from the sky.
Representing the Arakwal mob, Theresa Nichols said she thoroughly enjoyed all of the films presented. ‘They all provided their own unique experience and connecting. Seeing the stories on the big screen was so valuable to myself, my family and our friends.
Martha and the mud
‘I was drawn to Katele (Mudskipper),’ said Theresa. ‘A story about a Torra straight Islander woman, working in a laundromat, folding washing, ready for her boss to pick up – and thinking of how she had left her life behind – to see how strong she was in her belief and embracing her people and dancing.
‘I believe our people, our Elders, have embedded in us, our journey – through song, strong connections, and beliefs passed down through generations.
‘Honouring Elders past, and present and emerging is an empowering strength within us and is measured in volume through dance, song and story.’
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