Synopsis
Nyikina and Jabirr Jabirr woman, Kalinda (Gal) Palmer, is a gentle but fierce young mother. Living in her home town of Derby, Gal has experienced the ways in which the health systems failed her through pregnancy and birth.
She dreams of a future where she can return to traditional birthing practices and birth on Country. Gal sits with her Nanna Aggie on Mankajarra wetlands to learn more about the old ways, the ceremonies and traditions of birthing. While she re-connects with the past, she supports a young pregnant Aboriginal mother through her pregnancy in the western hospital system.
The contrast deepens Gals’ desire to bring back the old ways and we see and hear this through a stylised visual representation of Gal’s future re-imaginings. Surrounded by her family, Gal takes a step towards her re-imagining – her future, by burying her son’s placenta and encourages other young people to sit with their Elders to re-imagine their futures together.
Director
Kimberley Benjamin
Story
The film’s style will reflect our talent, Gal, and her Country – gentle and considered. We feel lucky to film in such a beautiful place where capturing Country comes easy – the waterways glisten brightly in the sun, bird song and insects hum loudly, the textures of Country feel intimate and visceral.
The film will dip in and out of observational documentary with other more poetic and poignant moments. This can be seen in the stylised opener where Gal sits at Mankajarra wetlands and speaks directly to camera and her re-imagining vision, where her narration will drive the vision. The re-imagining will include simple line animation, archival photos/vision of her Poppy and other stylistic choices that represent her future re-imaginings in an abstract and almost dreamlike sequence. The moments of actuality will be captured when Gal yarns with her family and Nanna, supports a pregnant mother at the hospital and buries her placenta.
Production Stage
- Development
- Production
- Post-production
- Completed
- Outreach
DURATION: 10 MINUTES
Issue area
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