Leo Murray

The Island of Rottnest is commonly known to Nyungar people as Wadjemup, meaning "place across the river". Located approximately 18 km off the coast of Western Australia, near Fremantle, it is world renowned as a tourism precinct. Less well known is its hidden history related to Aboriginal incarceration, dispossession and death. Funded via the Australian Research Council this docu-drama investigates and examines the Nyungar cosmology and spirituality related to the Island and its cultural significance to Nyungar knowledge and history.

This visually stunning short film set in the rural wheat belt of Western Australia, provides a candid insight into the life of Ronan, a 14 yr old boy who's been bullied his whole life at school. This accurate & controversial portrayal of life for someone who has fallen victim to bullying and the repercussions which exist, is told by director A.J. Carter in a unique, exposition intensive format with very little use of dialogue. Ronan's Escape presents arbitrary scenes rather than traditional storytelling which provokes audiences into discussion and interpretation of the scenes on a more personal level while reflecting on their own experiences.

“Liyarn Ngarn”, in the Yawuru language of the West Kimberly region around Broome, means “Coming Together of the Spirit”. Liyarn Ngarn represents a thirty year long mission of Indigenous leader and Yawura man, Patrick Dodson, to bring about a lasting and true reconciliation between the original owners and the immigrants. Liyarn Ngarn is a compelling documentary that tells of the devastation and inhumanity bought upon Indigenous people in every aspect of their daily lives. Personal stories of injustice are recounted by renowned English actor Pete Postlethwaite, as told to him by Patrick Dodson and Bill Johnson, an old English school friend, whose Indigenous son Louis died tragically. Respected songman, Archie Roach, adds his powerful lyrics and voice to this often painful, yet inspiring, journey of strength. Liyarn Ngarn aims to change peoples’ perception and attitude to Indigenous people and to assist with the process of true and lasting reconciliation. It is also offers some kind of meaningful epitaph to the Indigenous lives lost through sheer inhumanity.