The City of Fremantle says it is honoured to present the next installment of its Truth Telling program: Focus – First Nation Films, as part of its commitment to reconciliation.
The two-night event will take place during Birak, offering an immersive and reflective experience through storytelling, music, and cultural dialogue.
Set against the backdrop of the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre's Front Garden, attendees are invited to gather under the stars on Saturday, 25 January, and Sunday, 26 January 2025. The complimentary community event will feature live musical performances, thought-provoking discussions, and a selection of documentary films and short features.
The program will illuminate narratives that address the profound and enduring impacts of colonisation while celebrating the resilience, strength, and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Host Ron Bradfield Jnr will guide the evening's proceedings, accompanied by distinguished guest speaker Tom Murray, one of Australia's leading contemporary historical documentary filmmakers.
The event will be held at the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre's Front Garden on Saturday, 25 January, and Sunday, 26 January 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Admission is complimentary, with RSVPs recommended. This is an alcohol-free event, with food and beverage vendors available on-site, and picnics are welcome.
On Saturday, 25 January, the film program will feature Dhakiyarr vs The King (Dir. Tom Murray, 2003, 52 mins) and Whispering in our Hearts (Dir. Mitch Torres, 2002, 52 mins). On Sunday, 26 January, the program will include Wee War(Dir. Glen Stasiuk, 2006, 8 mins) and The Skin of Others (Dir. Tom Murray, 2020, 100 mins). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees are advised that the film program may contain images and/or audio of deceased persons.
In addition to the film screenings, a special Sunday Music session will take place on Sunday, 26 January, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The session will feature the Kiwirrkurra Band from Western Australia's Kiwirrkurra Community, known for their distinctive western desert reggae-rock sound, adding a unique cultural dimension to the weekend.
This event represents more than a cultural gathering—it is an opportunity to engage with and honour the enduring legacy of First Nations stories, voices, and histories. The City of Fremantle warmly invites all members of the community to participate in this important occasion of reflection, education, and connection.
Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance and refer to the website for information about the event and featured films.