State premiere of Australian Indigenous Film Festival in Albany

19/4/96

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kevin Prince last night officiated at the State premiere of the Australian Indigenous Film Festival - From Sand to Celluloid - held in Albany.   

Mr Prince said the festival of six 10-minute works by indigenous film makers had received rave reviews during its recent screening in Sydney.

"As Aboriginal Affairs Minister, I am proud to be associated with a project which truly presents life experience from an Aboriginal perspective," he said.

"As the Member for Albany I am also proud that the town hosted the Western Australian premiere with special thanks to sponsors, the Albany Film Society and the Albany Office of the WA Aboriginal Affairs Department."

Mr Prince said the six films presented perspectives on a range of issues particular to their Aboriginal creators and had been commissioned by the indigenous branch of the Australian Film Commission.

"The festival is truly groundbreaking in that Aboriginal artists have provided us with a rare insight into the conflicting emotions faced by a range of everyday characters including a young girl, a boy and a prisoner," he said.

"The issues dealt with by the characters are the same or similar to those faced by Aboriginal people everywhere, every day, but unfortunately they are not the views most often seen by the public at large."

Mr Prince said the films dealt with issues including heritage, racial rivalry and the sometimes confusing emotions particular to being an Aboriginal Australian.

From Sand to Celluloid will move to Perth for a season at Lumiere Theatre.

Media contact: Stacey Molloy 366 0300 or 222 9595