Films - RAI FILM

RAI FILM

Film list

[camels-of-the-pitjantjara--Film-image]

Camels of the Pitjantjara 1969 45‘

Directed by Roger Sandall .

From the 1920s onwards, when motor vehicles displaced camels as a mode of supply in central Australia, camels gradually went feral. As this film shows, however, in the 1960s, the Pitjantjara were

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Infrastructure / Transport Animals

[the-age-of-reason--Film-image]

The Age of Reason 2004 87‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

In this fifth and final film in the Doon School quintet, MacDougall focuses on the life of one student whom he discovers at the school. The film was made in parallel with ‘The New Boys’ and

South Asia Children / Young people Education / Knowledge Transmission Informant-researcher relationship

[spear-and-sword-a-payment-of-bridewealth-on-the-island-of-roti--Film-image]

Spear and Sword: a Payment of Bridewealth on the Island of Roti 1988 22‘

Directed by James J. Fox Timothy Asch Patsy Asch .

The film begins as the groom’s side gathers the animals and money for a bridewealth payment, and discusses problems that might arise in negotiating the exchange. In ritual silence, they walk to the

South-East Asia Ritual Marriage Family / Kinship

[a-celebration-of-origins-wai-brama-flores-indonesia--Film-image]

A Celebration of Origins: Wai Brama, Flores, Indonesia 1992 45‘

Directed by Timothy Asch Patsy Asch .

This film is a record of the gren mahe rituals of the people of the domain of Wai Brama. The gren mahe is the largest religious event of the Wai Brama ceremonial system and requires the participation

South-East Asia Ritual Religion / Belief / Faith

[the-art-of-regret--Film-image]

The Art of Regret 2007 60‘

Directed by Judith MacDougall .

Photography is known in China as the “Art of Regret”. In the rapidly changing city of Kunming, people are ambivalent about whether they want photography to be a medium of preservation and

South-East Asia Material Culture Film / Photography / Mass media

[the-water-of-words-a-cultural-ecology-of-a-small-island-in-eastern-indonesia--Film-image]

The Water of Words: a cultural ecology of a small island in Eastern Indonesia 1983 30‘

Directed by J. Fox Timothy Asch Patsy Asch .

This film examines the ecology and poetry of everyday life. Two Rotinese narrate this film, each offering his perception of the importance of the Lontar (Borassus) palm: a clan leader describes the

South-East Asia Archaeobotany / Ethnobotany Linguistics / Language Environment

[in-the-play-of-life-a-wayang-performance-in-east-java--Film-image]

In the Play of Life: a wayang performance in East Java 1992 25‘

Directed by Patsy Asch .

These companion films examine the philosophy and ritual practices of the followers of a holy man popularly known as Embah Wali. The movement, centred in Blitar, East Java, regards wayang as a model

South-East Asia Ritual Religion / Belief / Faith Dance / Theatre / Performance

[jero-tapakan-stories-from-the-life-of-a-balinese-healer--Film-image]

Jero Tapakan: Stories from the life of a Balinese Healer 1983 26‘

Directed by Timothy Asch Linda Connor Patsy Asch .

Jero beings with an account of her family’s extreme poverty that culminated in her desire to leave her family and travel as a pedlar. She describes mystical experiences that led her to recognise

South-East Asia Health / Health care / Healing Socioeconomic conditions

[making-worlds-otherwise--Film-image]

Making Worlds Otherwise 2020 28‘

Directed by Paul Gurrumuruwuy Jennifer Deger Enid Guruŋulmiwuy Warren Balpatji Meredith Balanydjarrk James Ganambarr Kayleen Djingadjingawuy Victoria Baskin Coffey Sebastian Lowe .

An exuberant experiment in the ethnographic art of remix that gives new form to Miyarrka Media’s project of yuṯa, or new, anthropology. Sound, images, colour, light, and deeply felt patterns of

Australia Collective / Community identity Colonialism / Postcolonialism Internet Digital media Participatory / Collaborative methods

[mabo-life-of-an-island-man--Film-image]

Mabo: Life of an Island Man 1997 87‘

Directed by Trevor Graham .

On June 3rd 1992, six months after Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo’s tragic death, the High Court upheld his claim that Murray Islanders held native title to land in the Torres Strait. The legal fiction

Australia Public Figure Colonialism / Postcolonialism Life Story / Life History Political Activists Land Rights Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy

[tempus-de-baristas--Film-image]

Tempus de Baristas 1993 100‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

This film depicts the characters, and social dilemmas of three generations of Sardinian mountain shepherds. Although born roughly 20 years apart, Franchiscu (62), his son Pietro (17) and their

Western Europe Herding Social Change Family / Kinship Rural

[a-transfer-of-power--Film-image]

A Transfer of Power 1986 22‘

Directed by Judith MacDougall David MacDougall .

Replacing the engine in an old car is a familiar rural task, but how people go about it differs. For these Aboriginal men in New South Wales, it’s an occasion for affirming continuing

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Education / Knowledge transmission Infrastructure / Transport

[breaking-the-chains--Film-image]

Breaking the Chains 2015 64‘

Student Directed by Erminia Colucci .

The practice of using shackles and chains to physically restrain people with mental illness (known as pasung) is widespread in Indonesia (as in many other developing/low middle income countries) and

South-East Asia Prison Health / Health care / Healing Political Activists Development projects

[good-bye-old-man--Film-image]

Good-bye Old Man 1977 70‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

A last request of a Tiwi man on Melville Island was that a film be made of the pukumani (bereavment) ceremony to follow his death. The film follows his family, from the days of preparation to their

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Death Elderly people Film / Photography / Mass media Ritual

[collum-calling-canberra--Film-image]

Collum Calling Canberra 1983 59‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

An account of Aboriginal people steering their way through the often frustrating processes of official decision-making, as it is seen from their viewpoint far away from Canberra. Gordon Smith, head

Australia Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples

[nawi--Film-image]

Nawi 1970 20‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

This classic ethnographic documentary, by the renowned filmmaking team of David and Judith MacDougall, explores the nomadic life of the Jie of Uganda. During the dry season the Jie leave their

East Africa Herding Music / Ethnomusicology Nomads and Nomadism

[under-the-palace-wall--Film-image]

Under the Palace Wall 2013 53‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

From the 16th century the Indian village of Delwara in southern Rajasthan was ruled as a principality of the kingdom of Mewar. Its palace, which overlooks the village, is now a luxury hotel – a

South Asia Education / Knowledge transmission Children / Young people Tourism / Travel / Pilgrimage

[takeover--Film-image]

Takeover 1980 90‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

On March 13, 1978 the Queensland Government announced its intention to take over management of Aurukun Aboriginal Reserve from the Uniting Church. The people of Aurukun complained bitterly, fearing

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Resistance Land Rights Social Conflict

[schoolscapes--Film-image]

SchoolScapes 2007 77‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

Inspired by the cinema of Lumière and the ideas of the 20th century Indian thinker Jiddu Krishnamurti, David MacDougall follows up the Doon School Quintet, his series of films about a traditional

South Asia Children / Young people Education / Knowledge transmission Film / Photography / Mass media

[delhi-at-eleven--Film-image]

Delhi at Eleven 2013 82‘

Directed by Ravi Shivhare Anshu Singh Kumar Kashyap Shikha Kumar .

This film presents the work of four young filmmakers of New Delhi. From March to May 2012 they took part in a video workshop at the CIE Experimental Basic School, a government primary school. Each of

South Asia Film / Photography / Mass media Children / Young people Education / Knowledge Transmission

[under-the-mens-tree--Film-image]

Under the Men’s Tree 1973 15‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

At Jie cattle camps in Uganda men often gather under a special tree to make leather and wooden goods and talk, relax, and sleep. This brilliant ethnographic documentary by renowned filmmakers David

East Africa Infrastructure / Transport Informant-researcher relationship Reflexivity

[namatjira-project--Film-image]

Namatjira Project 2017 87‘

Directed by Sera Davies .

An extraordinary first-hand account of the international battle to reclaim the artwork and heritage of one of Australia’s most important Indigenous figures: Albert Namatjira. Albert Namatjira was

Australia Art / Artists / Artisans Collective / Community identity Colonialism / Postcolonialism Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy Political Activists Race / Racism / Antiracism

[ngarap-fighting-over-a-corpse--Film-image]

Ngarap: fighting over a corpse 1973 17‘

Directed by Anthony Forge .

In 1993, Anthony Forge filmed the cremation of an older woman from an affluent ‘commoner’ family. As her body was moved from her family compound to the cremation tower, men of the ward seized the

South-East Asia Death Ritual Art / Artists / Artisans Archival material / Museum displays

[celso-and-cora--Film-image]

Celso and Cora 2000 109‘

Directed by Gary Kildea .

The film is about one family who live in the slums of Manila. Gary Kildea and a Filipino collaborator enter this family’s life, filming them as they eat, as they care for their children, as they work

South-East Asia Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Family / Kinship Urban

[waiting-for-harry--Film-image]

Waiting for Harry 1980 57‘

Directed by Kim McKenzie .

Although the events around which this film was planned were the final mortuary rites for Les Angabarraparra, the subject of the film became interaction. Interaction between the anthropologist Les

Australia Informant-researcher relationship Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Death Reflexivity

[the-house-opening--Film-image]

The House-Opening 1980 45‘

Directed by Judith MacDougall .

When Geraldine Kawanka’s husband died, she and her children left their house at Aurukun on Cape York Peninsula. In earlier times a bark house would have been burnt, but today a ‘house-opening’

Australia Ritual Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Death

[some-alien-creatures--Film-image]

Some Alien Creatures 2005 74‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

A film about the famous experimental, co-educational boarding school in South India, the Rishi Valley School, founded by the influential Indian thinker Krishnamurti. In this film about a progressive

South Asia Children / Young people Gender Role and Identity Education / Knowledge Transmission

[conversations-with-dundiwuy-wanambi--Film-image]

Conversations with Dundiwuy Wanambi 1984 50‘

Directed by Ian Dunlop Philippa Deveson .

A series of interviews with Dundiwuy Wanambi, shot over twelve years. They reveal the struggles of one man in the face of the huge changes brought about by the coming of a mining project, and

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Health / Health care / Healing Social Change

[sunny-and-the-dark-horse--Film-image]

Sunny and the Dark Horse 1986 86‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

A true story of a country family’s gradual involvement and growing passion for ‘picnic racing’. Sunny Bancroft is an Aboriginal cattle-station manager in New South Wales. With his

Australia Rural Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Animals

[a-wife-among-wives--Film-image]

A Wife Among Wives 1981 72‘

Directed by Judith MacDougall David MacDougall .

This segment of the trilogy on the Turkana of northern Kenya (see ‘Lorang’s Way’ and ‘The Wedding Camels’ above) evolves around the role of women in the society. The audience follows the

East Africa Gender Role and Identity Marriage Family / Kinship

[releasing-the-spirits-a-village-cremation-in-bali--Film-image]

Releasing the Spirits: a village cremation in Bali 1991 44‘

Directed by Patsy Asch Linda Connor Timothy Asch .

In 1978, as part of the preparations for the island-wide ceremony eka dasa rudra, religious officials urged all Balinese to cleanse the island by cremating their dead. Many were forced to pool

South-East Asia Death Ritual

[the-new-boys--Film-image]

The New Boys 2003 100‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

The social dynamics of the group is the focus of this study of life in Foot House, one of Doon School’s dormitories for new boys. It begins a few days before the boys appear and shows them

South Asia Children / Young people Education / Knowledge Transmission Collective / Community identity

[lorangs-way--Film-image]

Lorang’s Way 1977 69‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

The Turkana are a group of semi-nomadic pastoralists who inhabit a harsh environment of dry thorn country in northwestern Kenya. Lorang’s Way focuses upon a Turkana elder. Having spent time away

East Africa Herding Social Change Nomads and Nomadism

[ringtone--Film-image]

Ringtone 2014 30‘

Directed by Jennifer Deger Paul Wunungmurra .

Yolngu Aboriginal families offer glimpses into their lives and relationships through their choice of ringtones. From ancestral clan songs to 80s hip hop artists and local gospel tunes, these songs

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Music / Ethnomusicology Material Culture

[to-get-that-country--Film-image]

To Get That Country 1978 70‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

An important historical film of events surrounding early meetings of the Northern Land Council in 1977, where uranium mining, land rights and Aboriginal leadership were the key issues.

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Land Rights Social Organisation

[wild-honey-caring-for-bees-in-a-divided-land--Film-image]

Wild Honey: Caring for bees in a divided land 2019 30‘

Directed by Lisa Palmer .

For more than a century, the island of Timor has been divided by a colonial border. Timor’s migratory wild honey bees challenge this division. In community honey harvest rituals, queen bees are

South-East Asia Animals Food / Water Hunting / Gathering / Fishing

[stockmans-strategy--Film-image]

Stockman’s Strategy 1984 52‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

A film which explores the philosophy of teaching and learning of Sunny Bancroft, manager of an Aboriginal-run cattle station in northern New South Wales. It also tells the story of Shane Gordon, a

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Animals Education / Knowledge transmission

[gandhis-children--Film-image]

Gandhi’s Children 2008 185‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

A monolithic building on the outskirts of Delhi provides food and shelter for 350 boys. Some are orphans, some have been abandoned, others have run away from home. About half are held under a court

South Asia Children / Young people Squatter Settlements / Homelessness Socioeconomic conditions

[three-horsemen--Film-image]

Three Horsemen 1982 50‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

Bob Massey Pootchemunka has spent most of his life as a stockman and drover. Now over 75, his ambition is to see an all-Aboriginal cattle station operating at Ti-Tree on his traditional clan land.

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Herding Animals Land Rights

[contestations--Film-image]

Contestations 1996 55‘

Directed by Michael P. Vischer Thomas Richter .

The recording follows a journey from the island of Palu’e to the mainland to purchase water buffalo. Back at Palu’e, a series of sacrifices is held to make amends for transgressions. The events, part

South-East Asia Ritual

[with-morning-hearts--Film-image]

With Morning Hearts 2001 110‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

This film continues MacDougall’s long-term study of an elite boys’ boarding school in northern India. It focuses on a group of twelve-year-olds during their first year in one of the ‘houses’ for new

South Asia Children / Young people Education / Knowledge Transmission

[karam-in-jaipur--Film-image]

Karam in Jaipur 2001 54‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

This third film in the Doon School quintet follows the main protagonist of ‘With Morning Hearts’ into the next phase of his life in Jaipur House, one of the five main houses of the school. There he

South Asia Children / Young people Education / Knowledge transmission Sport

[paradise-bent-boys-will-be-girls-in-samoa--Film-image]

Paradise Bent. Boys will be Girls in Samoa 1999 51‘

Directed by Heather Croall .

Paradise Bent is a fascinating and entertaining film that tells the story of the Samoan fa’afafines: boys who are raised as girls and take on the domestic duties performed by women around the home,

Melanesia Gender Role and Identity Sex / Sexuality

[consulting-embah-wali--Film-image]

Consulting Embah Wali 2000 42‘

Directed by Patsy Asch .

These companion films (ANU Indonesia Series, DVD $ examine the philosophy and ritual practices of the followers of a holy man popularly known as Embah Wali. The movement, centred in Blitar, East

South-East Asia Ritual Dance / Theatre / Performance

[bridewealth-for-a-goddess--Film-image]

Bridewealth for a Goddess 2000 72‘

Directed by Chris Owen .

A unique insight into a secret spirit cult among the Kawelka people in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. After a dream, a clan leader initiates a long and complex ‘work’, when he and a

Melanesia Ritual Marriage Possession

[since-the-company-came--Film-image]

Since the Company Came 2001 52‘

Directed by Russel Hawkins .

Set in the South Pacific, in a remote Solomon Islands village, ‘Since the Company Came’ is the story of a community coming to terms with social, cultural and ecological disintegration. When village

Melanesia Land Rights Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples Social Conflict Socioeconomic conditions

[arnav-at-six--Film-image]

Arnav At Six 2012 28‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

Filmed as a collaborative project with Arnav Koshy in 2008, this film explores the mind and activities of an intelligent and observant child of six. Arnav is fascinated by the geology, plant-life,

South Asia Children / Young people Education / Knowledge Transmission

[koriams-law-and-the-dead-who-govern--Film-image]

Koriams Law and the Dead who Govern 2005 110‘

Directed by Gary Kildea Andrea Simon .

In ‘Koriam’s Law’ Australian anthropologist Andrew Lattas meets his match in philosopher-informant Peter Avarea of Matong village, Pomio, Papua New Guinea. Motivated by their lively dialogue the

Melanesia Religion / Belief / Faith Collective / Community identity Possession

[to-live-with-herds--Film-image]

To Live With Herds 1972 90‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

The Jie are semi-nomadic pastoral people living in North-eastern Uganda, who are striving to maintain their way of life in the face of unsympathetic government policy, and, at the time of filming, a dry-season famine.

East Africa Nomads and Nomadism Disasters Law and Legislation / Bureaucracy

[diya--Film-image]

Diya 2001 55‘

Directed by Judith MacDougall .

A diya is a small terra cotta oil lamp used throughout India in Hindu ceremonies. The film follows the life history of an object through the every day experience of people who make, sell and use it

South Asia Trade Material Culture Religion / Belief / Faith Art / Artists / Artisans

[a-balinese-trance-seance--Film-image]

A Balinese Trance Séance 1980 46‘

Directed by Timothy Asch Linda Connor .

Jero Tapakan is ‘entered’ by deities and spirits who converse with her clients. Unbeknown to her, they wish to contact the spirit of their dead son to learn the cause of his death and his wishes

South-East Asia Death Possession Ritual

[the-wedding-camels--Film-image]

The Wedding Camels 1976 108‘

Directed by Judith MacDougall David MacDougall .

Also about individuals from the Turkana in north-western Kenya (see ‘Lorang’s Way’ and ‘A Wife Among Wives’), this film chronicles a series of events which surround the marriage of Lorang’s

East Africa Family / Kinship Marriage Animals Herding

[awareness--Film-image]

Awareness 2011 67‘

Directed by David MacDougall Judith MacDougall .

Filmed in South India, Andhra Pradesh, at Rishi Valley School, founded by the 20th Century Indian thinker Krishnamurti, ‘Awareness’ explores the sensibilities of two groups of young Indian teenagers,

South Asia Education / Knowledge transmission Children / Young people

[the-medium-is-the-masseuse-a-balinese-massage--Film-image]

The Medium is the Masseuse: a Balinese Massage 1983 31‘

Directed by Timothy Asch Linda Connor Patsy Asch .

Jero uses massage and traditional medicines to treat Ida Bagus, who suffers from sterility and seizures. Through her treatment and her words, Jero reveals her conceptions of the human body, the

South-East Asia Health / Health care / Healing Reproduction (biology)

[jero-on-jero-a-balinese-trance-seance-observed--Film-image]

Jero on Jero: A Balinese Trance Séance Observed 1980 16‘

Directed by Timothy Asch Linda Connor Patsy Asch .

For the first time Jero sees herself on film as she watches ‘A Balinese Trance Séance’. Her spontaneous comments provide insights into her feelings while possessed, her understanding of her

South-East Asia Possession Reflexivity Health / Health care / Healing

[doon-school-chronicles--Film-image]

Doon School Chronicles 2000 140‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

David MacDougall’s long term visual study completed. The Doon School, located in Dehra Dun in Uttaranchal, is perhaps the most famous boys’ boarding school in India. Although it has sometimes been

South Asia Education / Knowledge transmission Children / Young people

[aeroplane-dance--Film-image]

Aeroplane Dance 1994 58‘

Directed by Trevor Graham .

December 1942: US bomber ‘Little Eva’ was returning to base after a bombing raid over New Guinea. It hit a storm and crashed at Moonlight Creek in Australia’s far north. Aeroplane Dance

Australia Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples War / Conflict / Reconciliation Memory

[link-up-diary--Film-image]

Link-up Diary 1997 86‘

Directed by David MacDougall .

The filmmaker goes on the road with Link-Up, an organisation which re-unites Aboriginal families separated in earlier decades by the New South Wales government. As the film shows, being reunited

Australia Resettlement Family / Kinship Collective / Community identity Indigenous peoples / First Nations peoples