Marliya

Today, many young First Nations Australians are facing increased politicization about their affairs, alongside continued marginalisation in the justice and education system – further entrenching a narrative of disenfranchisement about their future. Our film seeks to spark a national conversation on youth disenfranchisement by showcasing what can happen when you let young First Nations people speak up and advocate for themselves.

Partnering with prospective impact partners and agency we see our film being used as a tool to impact the following areas:
1. National – Begin a national conversation around empowering and uplifting young first nations voices
2. Education – Create resources to be used in school settings with education partners to advocate and inspire first nation students.
3. Increase support for the organisation that developed Marliya Choir through direct donation

Marliya will increase awareness of the challenges Indigenous youth face, fostering empathy and inspiring conversations on cultural resilience, social justice, and equity. Through our 3 impact areas we’ve identified we’re hoping to achieve the following outcomes:
Nationally – Great a larger and louder conversation around uplifting young first nation voices seen through successful attendance of community held screenings, increase in PR / News about Marliya and their journey – to fostering broader societal recognition of the importance of cultural preservation and self-determination in young people.
Education Stream – Strengthening cultural identity among Indigenous youth in schools and Indigenous perspectives incorporated in curriculum.
Direct Donations – See an uptake in donations to the Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choirs – to support the work they continue to do with Marliya, but also to foster the continuing development of young first nations voices.

Our team have had a long-term relationship working alongside both Marliya Choir and the organisation it sits under; Gondwana Choir in various capacities.

Director Stephen Page and Producer Ewan Cutler have interacted and collaborated with members of Marliya and its creative team through a variety of screen and stage productions. Shontell and Ewan have worked closely with Marliya through early development since 2022, developing relationships with the individual choristers and their family members.

We have access and support from Gondwana Choirs, the members of Marliya and their families, as well as access and support for use and ICIP from Felix Reibal and Michael Woodley who developed the Spinifex Gum repertoire.

After watching Marliya, we want audiences to take meaningful action in supporting young Indigenous voices. Firstly through donating to support the work of Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir as they continue to support Marliya Choir and its new cohort.
Secondarily through a broader impact campaign developed by community partners to organise screenings. These screenings will allow viewers to connect with local leaders and activists to support first nations youth voices in their own communities.
Thirdly through educational resources developed with education partner organisations. Not only will these be designated to schools through these organizations but we’ll make the resources available on our films website – where we’ll also provide information on how our partner organisations wish for viewers to take action. (Whether that’s through encouraging viewers to write to policymakers to advocate for systemic change in arts funding, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation, etc.)