Indigenous
Documentaries provide a platform for First Nations voices, narratives, and perspectives to be heard while also informing and educating audiences about the history, struggles, and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the original inhabitants of this continent, possessing a rich cultural heritage dating back more than 65,000 years. The arrival of British colonisers in 1788 marked the beginning of significant displacement, violence, and dispossession of Indigenous peoples from their lands, including assimilation policies that resulted in the Stolen Generations.
Today, the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is evident across various social indicators, including health, education, employment, and incarceration rates.
Documentaries provide a platform for First Nations voices, narratives, and perspectives to be heard while also informing and educating audiences about the history, struggles, and contemporary issues faced by First Nations communities. They often feature Indigenous activists, community leaders, and organisations advocating for Indigenous rights, self-determination, and social justice.
Documentaries can also focus on initiatives and success stories within First Nations communities, showcasing efforts to improve education outcomes, preserve languages, and empower young Indigenous people. These stories highlight the resilience, strength, and achievements of individuals and communities in the face of adversity.
Completed Documentary Australia-supported Indigenous-themed projects:
| The Australian Wars | In My Blood It Runs | The Final Quarter |
| Where to watch: SBS | Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Vimeo | Where to watch: Netflix, Doc Play |
| Zach’s Ceremony | Undermined: Tales from the Kimberley | Voices of the River |
| Where to watch: BINGE, DocPlay, Apple TV | Where to watch: Apple TV, Google Play, DocPlay , Vimeo | Where to watch: Facebook, Instagram |
Films that need your support
Other documentary projects in this issue area
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The Home Straight: two broken feet and an Olympic dream.
Antonia Burke, a former mining insider, journeys across Australia to uncover mining's true cost on Indigenous people.
Grace Mckenzie
A feature documentary based on Bruce Pascoe’s new book : Black Duck: A Year at Yumburra
Maggie Miles & Trisha Morton-Thomas
When Australia’s most renowned Indigenous actor David Gulpilil passes away far from his Homeland, his family struggle against huge logistical challenges to fulfill their promise, to guide his spirit safely back home.
Beck Cole
Two women, one secret pact and a radical plan to raise a young Aboriginal child far from her remote traditional home.
The 1980's independent music scene as seen through the life of Melbourne guitarist Steve Connolly, whose economic, melodic style helped Paul Kelly to early success.
