CinefestOZ: First Nations – stories from the world’s original storytellers

IndigifestOZ showcases quality Indigenous film works and engages film-goers through feature films in the general screenings, short film events and the free community screenings categories. Through working with the Cinesnaps schools program, IndigifestOZ also offers school incursions and excursions, including engagement with established and emerging Indigenous filmmakers. “The program is all about celebrating First Nations filmmakers and First Nations stories, both from WA and from across Australia” said CinefestOZ Indigenous film program manager Jodie Bell. This years IndigifestOZ program includes a short film set titled Deadly Shorts and the films include Katele, Babanil, Mr Kimberley, Djalbuyan Nahra, To be Silent, Allira and Marlu Man. Ms Bell said IndigifestOZ was a way to spread First Nations filmmakers’ voices across the country. “This is our way of celebrating the number of awesome First Nations filmmakers in WA, so we can use the festival as a platform for those voices,” she said. “It makes people start to think and that’s what we want, we want them to start having a think about why it’s important that we recognise First Nations people in Australia.” “The sporting field where Aboriginal people have been seen shining, well I feel like we’re starting to do it across the country in film and television as well.” There are also four Indigenous feature films including Cate Blanchett’s new film The New Boy and three documentaries The Dark Emu Story, Kindred and Keeping Hope. Keeping Hope is from actor/director/producer Mark Coles Smith, who returns home to the Kimberley to uncover why this part of Australia has one of the highest rates of suicide in young Indigenous people. Mark is an ambassador for CinefestOZ Broome with Goolarri Media, Australia’s first dedicated First Nation’s Film Festival which was launched in November 2022. Free community days with IndigifestOz are available, which allow people to engage with Indigenous filmmakers and the wider community, take part in film workshops and experience music and performances. There will also be Indigenous markets featuring arts and wares from Indigenous creators across the State. Make sure to check out the CinefestOZ program for screening times and more information at cinefestoz.com/ .