/News 16.02.21

OUR SUMMER OF CINEMA: IN CONVERSATION WITH LOCAL LEGENDS SIMON BAKER & WAYNE BLAIR

In a new initiative to showcase incredible Australian stories brought to life through film, Screen Australia‘s “In Conversation” continues with Simon Baker and Wayne Blair.

In the video below, Australian actor Simon Baker and director Wayne Blair chat about their new films, the power of Indigenous stories and how they can’t wait to get to a cinema.

Released in cinemas 18 January 2021 and selected to screen at the Berlin International Film Festival 2020, High Ground is directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson, written by Chris Anastassiades and stars Jacob Junior Nayinggul, Simon Baker, Jack Thompson, Aaron Pedersen, Ryan Corr and Witiyana Marika. The film is a High Ground Pictures feature with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen Territory and Film Victoria.

Set against the stunning landscapes of 1930’s Arnhem Land, High Ground chronicles young Aboriginal man Gutjuk, who in a bid to save the last of his family teams up with ex-soldier Travis to track down Baywara—the most dangerous warrior in the Territory, who is also his uncle. As Travis and Gutjuk journey through the outback they begin to earn each other’s trust, but when the truths of Travis’ past actions are suddenly revealed, it is he who becomes the hunted.

Courtesy of Madman Entertainment

Released on 18 February 2021, AACTA Award winning documentary Firestarter marks Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 30th anniversary. Taking us through Bangarra’s birth and spectacular growth, the film recognises Bangarra’s founders and tells the story of how three youngAboriginal brothers —Stephen, David and Russell Page —turned the newly born dance group into a First Nations cultural powerhouse.

Through the eyes of the brothers and company alumni, Firestarter explores the loss and reclaiming of culture, the burden of intergenerational trauma, and –crucially –the power of art as a messenger for social change and healing. Directed by Wayne Blair and Nel Minchin, Firestarter received principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW and is financed with support from the ABC.

Courtesy of Screen Australia

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