Storylines: Bran Nue Dae

The Australian High Commission presents a selection of Aboriginal feature films and documentaries curated by renowned Australian film director Rachel Perkins, bringing the stories of Australia’s first peoples to Africa. As Aboriginal people claimed the right to determine their future in the political world, so too did Aboriginal people claim the right to portray themselves and their stories. In the process, Aboriginal filmmaking also evolved from its humble beginnings to become recognised on its artistic merits as world class cinema.

BRAN NUE DAE

94 min. Director: Rachel Perkins

Bran Nue Dae is a road movie, coming of age, comedy musical which celebrates the adventure of finding home. Another indigenous film that crossed politics with humour and music to reach a broad audience. The film is set in 1969 and focusses on young Willie, whose life is all about fishing, hanging out with his mates and a girl Rosie. However his mother Theresa has great hopes for him and she sends him to the religious mission far away for schooling. Willie runs away and finds himself down on his luck where he meets an old fella who he calls ‘Uncle Tadpole’ and together they con a couple of hippies into taking them on a 2,500km journey through spectacular landscapes back home. Accompanied by the joyous sounds of country, gospel and Broadway dancing, Bran Nue Dae is a road musical that celebrates the adventure of finding your way home.