Australia's Smartphone Film Festival (SF3) is once again celebrating cinematic innovation, showcasing films shot entirely on mobile devices.

This year's event, featuring a record number of Indigenous entries, includes the documentary 'Durangen', a deeply personal project by Aboriginal artist Jenny Fraser.

Ms Fraser's film, available online in the Highly-Commended screening section, centres on traditional plant knowledge through the perspectives of six Aboriginal matriarchs.

Shot on a smartphone, 'Durangen' reflects the environmental and cultural resilience of Aboriginal women.

Ms Fraser, a Migunburri, Yugumbeh, and Bundjalung woman from Mount Barney, Queensland, brings her decades of experience in digital storytelling to this unique work.

Known for her innovative approach to screen-based art, she has spent her career exploring the intersection of nature and technology.

Her film's title, 'Durangen', which means "grow" or "growing" in Yugambeh, encapsulates the project's themes of cultural regeneration and environmental awareness.

"I decided to make a commitment to the plant work now that I am in the winter of my life," she said.

"Over time, I have been continuing and revitalising Yugambeh family traditions and have a practice in the healing arts and education, including plant and body work."

Ms Fraser's connection to plants began early, rooted in family traditions.

"I grew up collecting Bush Food with my father, and my first job as a teenager was at a plant nursery in the 1980s, so I am returning to my early experiences," she said.

Her professional background in screen culture has allowed her to merge storytelling with ecological themes.

"I have been using these skills toward digital storytelling about our Native Plants, marrying nature and technology."

To bring 'Durangen' to life, Ms Fraser collaborated with other knowledge holders.

"I can't do it all alone, so I called in knowledge holders who each have unique perspectives and are generous with their own practice," she said.

The title 'Durangen' was suggested by Yugambeh language worker Faith Baisden, giving the film a deeper cultural resonance.

"This was gifted by Faith, and it relates to growing," she said.

"Since then, I have also found out that the word is used in terms of witches.

"We are proud to be advocating for our plant companions and sharing knowledge to help heal."

With a career marked by pioneering digital platforms for Indigenous artists, she believes in the value of representation in these spaces.

"Digital platforms are kind of like real estate, so we need to take up space now and then, but it's healthy to go bush and connect with homelands in reality. Balance."

Ms Fraser also appreciates the recognition 'Durangen' is receiving on the international festival circuit.

"If we can pick up some mentions or awards, then that is a bonus, but the reason why I put the film on the festival circuit first is to be a part of screen culture," she said.

This month, 'Durangen' will also screen at Hawaii's Menehune Indigenous Film Festival, which Fraser describes as "aloha from other Indigenous people around the world".

Looking to the future, Ms Fraser is eager to continue fostering Indigenous creativity on the world stage.

"I'm hoping to get invited back to the JAALA Biennial in Japan to curate my 7th show with them, and I want to include another 7 Sisters from Bundjalung Nation to keep our creativity and agency moving," she said.

SF3 will hold live screenings in Sydney on 16–17 November and Melbourne on 8 November, plus an online program until 2 December.