The inmate Paddy (George Djilaynga) is given his possessions. He picks up his watch and adjusts it. It begins to work again. Paddy is told to sign the paper 'Paddy' and have a nice life. The jail is unlocked by a guard. Paddy is led from the jail. Paddy stands before the final door to freedom. Figures move beneath the door. Someone is waiting for him. The guard offers to take him out another way.

Summary by Romaine Moreton

CURATOR'S NOTES

Warwick Thornton's Payback is the story of the Western legal system and the Indigenous legal system. The concept of payback in this film suggests that Indigenous law is equally enforceable. Shot in black-and-white, Payback is one of Thornton's earliest attempts at drama, his later dramatic works including films such as Green Bush and Mimi.

Payback Synopsis

A short drama about payback, the Indigenous traditional law system. After 20 years, Paddy (George Djilaynga) is released from jail into tribal law.

Notes by Romaine Moreton

CREDITS

Production company Blackfella Films Producer Penny McDonald Supervising producer Graeme Isaac Director Warwick Thornton Writer Warwick Thornton Cast Peter Datjing, George Djilaynga, Charlie Matjiwi, Larry Yapuma Acknowledgements Produced with the assistance of the Indigenous Branch of the Australian Film Commission