The Environment Centre NT has organised a presentation of Two Laws, an archival film made in 1981 in Borroloola. The film, an unconventional documentary, was made on the basis of significant Aboriginal community commitment.
“White people don’t understand that there are two laws and two different kinds of custom in Australia… White people have different laws from Aboriginal people.”
The film is divided into four parts, parts 3 & 4 which will be shown on Tuesday 27th March, deal with the present struggle [1980] for land. The film reminds us of the historical context for their current battle to save the McArthur River. It is a disturbing reminder of Aboriginal Peoples fight for justice against past and ongoing oppression.
The presentation is timed to co-incide with the Traditional Owners legal challenge against the diversion of the McArthur River, which will be heard in the Supreme Court of the NT 26-29th March 2007.
Traditional Owners who are in Darwin for the hearing will speak about their ongoing fight for their land, culture and the McArthur River.
What: Two Laws – archival film presentation from Borroloola
When : 7.30pm, Tuesday 27th March 2007
Where: the NT Museum and Art Gallery, Conacher St Darwin.
Numbers are limited – if you wish to attend please book via freshwater@ecnt.org or 8941 7439
Thanks!
That was an absolutely mind blowing film, that any aspiring australian filmmaker should see. I wasn’t in the mood for sitting down in front of a screen for an hour, but I found the format and the substance of the film captivating.
and of course watching it together with so many of the Traditional Owners who had come to town for the supreme court hearings made for a great experience :
the emotional response to this recent history (which seems to be digging a rut as it goes around that same tight circle) was contagious.
I sincerely hope that this time round, we all get to see a little justice (please!)
thanks again. more power to you (us).