Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta screen creative Tony Briggs, who is the creator and writer of big screen hit The Sapphires, has conceived a new idea in bringing together First Nations films from all over the globe in the Birrirangga Film Festival, which will take place between in Naarm (Melbourne) from March 23-28, 2023.
In its third year, this year's festival will feature a diverse collection of feature length narratives, documentaries and short films from New Zealand, Canada, USA, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Mexico, Russia, Hawaii and Australia.
"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 name Birrarangga, meaning 'river location', was gifted to the festival by Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Zeta Thomson. A name reflecting how rivers connect Indigenous people across the world as they resemble fluidity, movement and life, just as films do.
Birrarangga Film Festival creates a platform for Indigenous storytelling, encouraging emerging leaders in the screen industry and creating visibility for Indigenous filmmakers.
Opening the festival at The Capitol is Canadian film Bones of Crows, from director Marie Clements.
Screenings will also be shown at ACMI, Lido, Classic, Victorian Pride Centre and Federation Square.
Other highlights in the program include:
A Boy Called Piano (New Zealand): A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa'amoana John Luafutu is a feature documentary that tells the remarkable story of Fa'amoana's time as a state ward in the 1960s and the intergenerational impacts of these experiences.
Whetū Mārama – Bright Star (New Zealand): The story of Sir Hekenukumai Ngaiwi Puhipi, aka Hek Busby, and his significance for Māori in rekindling their wayfinding DNA and for all New Zealanders in reclaiming our place as traditional star voyagers on the world map.
Sweet As (Australia): From director Jub Clerc, Sweet As is an uplifting coming-of-age road movie about unconventional friendships, first crushes and finding who you are on the path less travelled.
Stellar (Canada): A love story from Anishinaabe filmmaker, Darlene Naponse (Falls Around Her). As a meteorite catastrophically changes the planet outside, two lovers find each other in a small bar in Northern Ontario, Canada. Across their bodies and spirits, the star-crossed couple transcends the traumas of one world and find a path to a new one.
Bring Her Home (USA): A feature documentary following three Indigenous women — an artist, an activist, and a politician — as they work to vindicate and honour their relatives who are victims in the growing epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. As they face the lasting effects of historical trauma, each woman searches for healing while navigating the oppressive systems that brought about this very crisis.
Rosie (Canada): When Rosie's mother dies she needs somewhere to live. The only relative to be found is Fred (Frédérique) - tough, street-smart, and currently working in a sex shop, though not for long. Her two best friends, Flo and Mo, are drag queens, and when the adult store goes up in flames the colourful foursome must do what they have to, to survive. A quirky family of fringe dwellers is born! This bilingual film is both funny and poignant. At its core, Rosie is a tale of identity, family, love and misfits.
Run Woman Run (Canada): A magical anti-rom com about Beck, a single mother who has lost her passion for life and for her Mohawk language. She lives for donuts in a bathrobe, where her only exercise is the walk from her car to the mailbox. When her health fails, Beck conjures the spirit of a legendary marathon runner who inspires her to run and to be grateful. She honours the earth and her family with every run, leading her back to her calling.
Wildhood (Canada): In this coming-of-age film, Link and his brother Travis flee their abusive father and embark on a journey to find their birth mother. Along the way, Link discovers his sexuality and rediscovers his Mi'kmaw heritage.
