Djungguwan: Speaking to the Future – part 2

Title:
Djungguwan: Speaking to the Future – part 2
NFSA ID
715209
Year
2006
Warnings
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following program may contain images and/or audio of deceased persons
Access fees

Director Trevor Graham talks about filming Djungguwan – Speaking to the Future (2002) on his own and subsequently with director of photography (DOP) Jenni Meaney.

It is interesting to see the different approach Graham has taken to his filming of preparations for the Djungguwan. His desire to create a sense of intimacy is in contrast with the approach of the 1966 film crew who covered the action of the group in wide shots – not picking out any individuals.

The clan members who lead the ceremony are Wanyubi Marika of the Rirratjingu clan and Wukun Dennis Wanambi of the Marrakulu. They are very concerned about the threat western culture poses to their culture and their children, especially the negative influences of drugs and alcohol.

They wanted this ceremony recorded so that their children would be able to see it, understand it and perform it in the future.

This is an excerpt from the 2006 Film Australia National Interest Program DVD, Ceremony: The Djungguwan of Northeast Arnhem Land, produced in association with Denise Haslem Productions. It was made in collaboration with Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Association and the Rirratjingu Association.