Our Generation
7pm Friday February 18th 2011: Our Generation
Genre: Documentary. Director: Sinem Saban, Producer: Damien Curtis, Australia,2010, 73 minutes.
Our Generation is a groundbreaking new documentary on Aboriginal rights in Australia, which uncovers the hidden struggle of Australia’s First Peoples to their land, culture and freedom. Hidden from the eyes of the world, Our Generation is their call to the nation, a fresh and unflinching look at unresolved issues, driven by the Yolngu of Northeast Arnhem Land, who have long been known as strong in their culture, tradition, language and land- it is home of the yidaki (didjeridoo).
While Australia’s Broadcasting Commission (ABC) continues to reject the film to be screened on the network, many Australians continue to live in voluntary ignorance, informed only by distorted glimpses in the media. The truth is that the human rights of Australia’s Indigenous people continue to be violated – the United Nations has even stepped in – yet the country remains inactive behind a great wall of silence. A wall built up over years of denial that hides an international scandal in our own backyard.
After their ‘rolling thunder’ tour of Australia, the filmmakers are now screening in Europe spreading the message in the film, which is a catalyst for grass roots movements. It unveils the ignorance in Australia and lights the flame for a people’s movement, encouraging all people to spread the word, speak up and get involved. The time has come for unity across the country, across Aboriginal nations, political divides, town and country, black and white.
We cannot stand as silent witnesses. Not in Our Generation.
Sheree Ogden
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