AustLit

'Hurtling through space and time, We Are Still Here is an unparalleled First Nations celebration, interweaving eight stories by 10 directors from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

'Conceived as a cinematic response to the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s arrival in this region, We Are Still Here is a poetic and powerful statement of resistance and survival. Through eight heroic protagonists, the film traverses 1000 years exploring stories of kinship, loss, grief and resilience. It begins with a stunning animation set in ancient times, when a mother and daughter out fishing have a disturbing vision of the future. Then we are taken to 1862 where, in both Australia and New Zealand, Indigenous people confront the prospect of a terrifying future. In 1915, a Samoan soldier finds himself in a perilous situation, but also encounters an unexpected act of kindness. Alongside stories set in the past, there are also contemporary stories of activism, of confronting racism, of romance and of ancestral love. And finally, a vision of a dystopian future. Bringing together a range of genres – animation, sci-fi, romantic comedy, period drama – We Are Still Here is cumulatively a strident story of endurance in the face of colonialism, racism and attempted erasure. It is also evidence of thrilling new First Nations cinematic talent from our region.'

Source: Sydney Film Festival.

'Thalu follows the mission of a group of Indigenous children who undertake a journey to save their Country as they combat the threat of a mysterious dust cloud and its inhabitants, 'The Takers'. The friends must make their way to the 'Thalu' , which is a place of great power, in order to stop the cloud. Along the way, they encounter friends and foes, as they search for the eight sacred stones and a special key that will unlock the power of the 'Thalu' and stop the Takers in their tracks.' (Production summary)

'8MMM Aboriginal Radio in Alice Springs runs on the smell of an oily rag, the enthusiasm of its motley Indigenous crew and the misguided intentions of the whitefellas in charge. For the 3M's of Alice Springs - the missionaries, mercenaries and misfits - saving Aboriginal people from themselves is hard work. Especially Aboriginal people who expect to be heard on the radio and in the office. Princess Pictures and Brindle Films bravely step into the vortex of Aboriginal Australia, where truth and comedy collide.' (Production summary)

Set in the 1940s, Jacob tells how the joy of a young boy's birth quickly disintegrates for both the mother, Gina, and father, Max, when his fair skin reveals a rape by a white man.

'Ethel and her friend Mary resort to an unlikely occupation at night to top up their pensions. Ethel's daughter is horrified when she discovers they are not really 'playing cards'.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)