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From Arnhem Land to Noongar Land Message Sticks Indigenous Film Festival National Tour will head around the country in July and August offering FREE SCREENINGS of the best Indigenous films bringing the black flavour of the world of cinema.

Presented in association with Blackfella Films and Screen Australia

Sydney Opera House, Sydney:                            July 5 - 7

The National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra    July 12 & 19

Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane:                          July 17 - 20

Cinema Paradiso, Perth:                                     July 24 - 26

Museum Bunjilaka, Melbourne:                            August 1 - 3

Tandanya, Adelaide:                                           August 7 - 9

Deckchair Cinema, Darwin:                                 August 21 & 22

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier:          August 28 - 30

The 2008 Message Sticks Film Festival will tour around the country free of charge in July and August from July 5 to 7 at the Sydney Opera House.

A celebration of our country’s unique culture, Message Sticks will examine the state of play in Indigenous Australia with 12 documentary and short films by established and emerging Indigenous directors.

Curated by Rachel Perkins and Darren Dale from Blackfella Films, their ninth film program will ask some big questions about Indigenous Australia including: What should be celebrated? What still needs to be addressed? and Where to now?

“Our program this year reflects the big questions being asked by Australians about Black Australia” says Dale. “Aboriginal filmmakers use the lens to capture the feelings and thoughts of our people, talking about their lives at a turning point in our nation’s history.”

“Aboriginal filmmakers have used the lens to capture the feelings and thoughts of our people, talking about their lives at a turning point in Australia’s history,” Dale said. “Message Sticks allows the nation to hear our stories and talk to the filmmakers who have opened the window to Black Australia.”

“We are thrilled to be able to brings audiences closer to the filmmakers who have made these impressive films, in each state we will have directors and some of the films subjects at the screenings to answer those questions audiences never get to ask” Perkins said.

Darlene Johnson’s documentary River of No Return is a film highlight. A touching story of change and transformation, this fascinating film follows Frances Djulibing (Ten Canoes) as she strives to achieve her dream - of becoming a Hollywood movie star. Her journey from tribal life to red carpets is unlike any other. After the Brisbane, Darwin and Mount Gambier screenings there will be a Q & A with Director Darlene Johnson and Frances Djulibing

Another highlight will be Mad Morro, a confronting and compelling documentary from director Kelrick Martin. This powerful and dramatic story about familial love follows James Morris as he returns to Taree after 13 years in prison.

Director Rima Tamou profiles political activist Joyce Clague and her husband in When Colin Met Joyce. The marriage of Colin and Joyce Clague has been a forty year journey. They thrive on maintaining cultural teachings, breaking down barriers, speaking out politically, and focusing on the bigger picture. Their passions and struggles inspire a true sense of reconciliation. In Perth and Melbourne following the film, the producer Pauline Clague will talk to the audience about the work.

Allan Collins uncovers real-life phenomena from the 1940s and 50s in the beautifully filmed Spirit Stones. Noongar Elders reveal phenomenal events of the 1940s and 1950s in the south-west of Western Australia when mysterious stones fell for hours, days and weeks. Memories of the Noongar storytellers are linked with sensitivity and a lightness of touch to places of importance as exquisite images and sounds radiate feeling

In Wanja: Warrior Dog director Angie Abdilla records community reaction and escalating tension generated by increased police surveillance on The Block in Redfern through the eyes of a Blue Heeler.

All films will be screened at all venues. Please check local session guides for details

Yolngu Guya Djamamirr-showing everywhere!!!
River Of No Return-showing in Canberra (opening), Brisbane(opening), Perth, Adelaide, Darwin (opening), & Mt Gambier(opening)
When Colin Met Joyce-showing in Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne (opening) Adelaide, Darwin, Mt Gambier
Spirit Stones-showing in Canberra (opening), Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Mt Gambier
Who Paintin’ Dis Wandjina?-showing in Canberra, Brisbane, Perth (opening), Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Mt Gambier
Storytime-showing in Canberra, Brisbane, Perth(opening), Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin & Mt Gambier
Wanja: Warrior Dog-showing in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide ,Darwin
Bollywood Dreaming-showing in Brisbane, Perth (opening), Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin
(international film) Sikumi-showing in Brisbane, Melbourne ,Adelaide, Darwin
(international film) Nikamowin- showing in Brisbane, Melbourne Adelaide, Darwin
Mad Morro-showing in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide,
Courting With Justice-showing in Brisbane, Melbourne & Adelaide

Canberra 12th & 19th of July, The National Film and Sound Archive,

Ph (02) 6248 2000,http://screensound.gov.au/

Brisbane 17th - 23rd July, Gallery of Modern Art, Ph (07) 3840 7303,www.qag.qld.gov.au/goma

Perth 24th - 26th July, Cinema Paradiso, Ph (08) 9227 1771,www.lunapalace.com.au

Melbourne 1st - 3rd August, Melbourne Museum Bunjilaka Centre,

Ph 13 11 02,http://museumvictoria.com.au/bunjilaka/

Adelaide 7th - 9th August, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute Inc

Ph (08) 8 8224 3200,http://www.tandanya.com.au/

Darwin 21st & 22nd August, Deckchair Cinema, Ph (08) 8981 0700,http://www.deckchaircinema.com/

Mt Gambier 28th - 30th August, Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre,

Ph (08) 8723 8743 http://www.countryarts.org.au/helpmann/index_content.html