Thursday 10 July, 6.30 pm, Macquarie Theatre, Macquarie University, North Ryde.
NAIDOC* celebrations are held around Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
To celebrate NAIDOC week, the City of Ryde will be holding “Moving Pictures” a film night showcasing the film Liyarn Ngarn (Coming Together of the Spirit) (rated M 15+) – a compelling documentary by award-winning Director Martin Mhando, and starring renowned English actor Pete Postlethwaite, respected Indigenous leader Patrick Dodson, and celebrated songman Archie Roach.
Mayor for the City of Ryde, Clr Ivan Petch, said: “Taking part in NAIDOC Week is a good way to celebrate Indigenous culture and build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This is a culturally significant film that will assist with the process of true and lasting reconciliation.”
This free event, includes supper provided by Thullii Dreaming, Aboriginal Caterers. Seats are limited, so bookings are essential. Please call 9952 8303 to register.
*NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’, who was once responsible for organising national activities during this week.
About the Film:
Liyarn Ngarn, in the Yawuru language of the West Kimberly region around Broome in Australia's far north-west, means "Coming Together of the Spirit". It epitomises a thirty year long mission of Indigenous leader and Yawura man, Patrick Dodson, to bring about a lasting and true reconciliation between the original owners and the immigrants.
This compelling documentary tells of the devastation and inhumanity bought upon Indigenous people in every aspect of their daily lives. Personal stories of injustice are recounted by renowned English actor Pete Postlethwaite, as told to him by Patrick Dodson and Bill Johnson, an old English school friend, whose Indigenous son Louis died tragically. Respected songman, Archie Roach, adds his powerful lyrics and voice to this often painful, yet inspiring, journey of strength.
Liyarn Ngarn aims to change peoples' perception and attitude to Indigenous people and to assist with the process of true and lasting reconciliation. It is also offers some kind of meaningful epitaph to the Indigenous lives lost through sheer inhumanity.
Media contact: Lee Kirkland 9952 8083
