Queer Australian First Nations filmmaking remains a rarity in 2024, however Butchulla filmmaker David Cook's directorial debut, Heart of the Man, marks an inspiring shift.

Set in Brisbane, the film celebrates and highlights a predominantly LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal cast and tells the story of Chris Wundurra (Parker Little), a young man grappling with his father's relentless expectations.

His father, Sammy - portrayed by Mr Cook himself - is a former boxer who once dreamed of winning a national title. Life, however, had other plans, and a tragic accident left Sammy without that victory and Chris without a mother.

Starting in the industry as an actor, Mr Cook grew frustrated with the lack of stories that represented his own experiences and those of his community.

Driven by a strong desire to bring such narratives to life, he taught himself to write and direct, pulling together the resources to make Heart of the Man a reality within just two years.

His journey reflects a story of community support and personal dedication.

"When I started calling people, asking if they could be involved, everyone said yes," Mr Cook said.

"It felt like the universe was saying, 'Yes, this is the time.' Suddenly, all the pieces started falling into place."

However this momentum wasn't without its challenges. The film's development and production were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought unexpected delays, but with determination and the support of his cast and crew, Mr Cook pushed forward.

"It was an indie film, so we really just had to have a go and make it happen with what we had," he said.

"There were definitely hiccups along the way, but we got it done."

The story of Heart of the Man presents a powerful look at grief, generational trauma, and the complex bond between father and son.

As Sammy pushes Chris into the boxing ring to reclaim his own lost dreams, Chris begins questioning his place in the sport and, ultimately, in his father's world.

"My own experiences as an athlete really bled into the story," Mr Cook said.

"I wanted to explore the pressures of living up to others' expectations while also dealing with one's own desires."

Sammy, a hardened former boxer, hopes that Chris will achieve the national boxing title he never could.

Chris however, begins to sense a different calling. Rather than staying in the ring, he finds himself drawn to the world of theatre, exploring his creative side and eventually, his sexuality.

Mr Cook's approach to these themes is subtle yet powerful, portraying Chris' personal journey with sensitivity and authenticity.

He explores universal questions about identity, family, and the courage it takes to diverge from expectations - questions that many, including First Nations and queer audiences, may find deeply resonant.

"We wanted to tackle the topic, but not make it too upfront. It's about identity at a deeper level--understanding yourself when no one else is around," Mr Cook said.

For Mr Cook, authenticity was key in every aspect of the film. He cast many roles within his own community, reaching out to Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ actors he knew personally, creating a tight-knit cast and crew who brought shared experiences to the project.

This choice allowed for a powerful sense of trust and safety on set, which was especially important when exploring complex and personal themes.

"Casting was organic," Mr Cook said, "I wanted to build community, working with people we know and trust".

This casting approach also strengthened the film's genuine portrayal of First Nations and LGBTQIA+ experiences.

Mr Cook emphasised casting this way wasn't just about filling roles - it was about building a community of storytellers and fostering a safe space for them to bring their own perspectives into the film.

"There's a powerful moment in the film where two men, Joey and Chris, share a hug - a simple but beautiful moment of comfort," he said.

"It's a small scene, but it represents the vulnerability that's so often missing from portrayals of masculinity."

Heart of the Man has garnered attention at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, where its screening sold out before opening night - a testament to its impact and the desire for more stories that celebrate and showcase Indigenous queer voices.

For Mr Cook, the festival provides an opportunity to engage with audiences about the film's deeper messages.

"I'm really looking forward to the Q&A. It's humbling that people are choosing to come out and watch this piece of art," he said.

In an industry that often limits Indigenous narratives to traditional or historical depictions, Heart of the Man stands out for its contemporary focus, showing Indigenous experiences as vibrant, current, and relatable to a broad audience.

The film's debut highlights the strength in authenticity, bringing forth new, complex narratives that challenge stereotypes and remind us that Indigenous voices are as diverse and multi-dimensional as any other.

The film's release reflects a growing interest in Indigenous storytelling that transcends the typical tropes and enters a modern, personal realm of experience.

For Mr Cook, it's a hopeful moment for Indigenous filmmakers and audiences alike.

"It's definitely something that we need to see more of," he said.

"I think advocating for voices within our community, giving them the platform to broadcast, is essential."