The Dhuluny Film Festival is part of The Dhuluny Project – a series of events commemorating the 200-year anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on 14 August 1824 in the Bathurst region and the ensuing frontier violence. Dhuluny means truth and that which is direct, the commemoration offers visitors the opportunity to share and understand the true history of our country and celebrate the resilience of the Wiradyuri Nation.

The Dhuluny Film Festival is held over four nights at the Ponton Theatre at Charles Sturt University Bathurst.

Following each film, a live in-person panel and Q & A will take place centered around the film you will view, including with Rachel Perkins and Uncle Bruce Pascoe. Australia’s leading truthtellers and creatives will share their insights into the making of the films and shine a light on the history of the enduring Wiradyuri nation.

Tickets are extremely limited for these intimately curated film sessions as part of The Dhuluny Film Festival.

Film Schedule:

Date: Sunday 11 August

Time: 6pm Film

Title: First Australians: They Have Come to Stay (Episode 1) 1hr 10min

The history of Australia from an Indigenous people’' perspective. Episode 1 starts with the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney and to Bathurst. With guest speakers Dinawan Dyirribang Uncle Bill Allen Jnr, senior Wiradyuri Elder and descendant of Windradyne, and David Suttor, descendant of George Suttor from Brucedale.

Date: Tuesday 13 August

Time: 6pm Film

Title: The Drover’s Wife 1hr 45min

A reimagining of Leah Purcell’s acclaimed play and Henry Lawson’s classic short story, The Drover’s Wife is a searing Australian Western with love, family, protection, survival, truth and racism at its heart. With Leah Purcell AM, award-winning actor, writer, singer, director and producer, and a proud Kuwa – Gunggari – Wakka Wakka Murri woman, and guest speaker Aunty Leanna Carr Wirribee.

Date: Thursday 15 August

Time: 7pm Film

Title: The Dark Emu Story 1hr 35min

A thought-provoking documentary telling the story of Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu, the publishing phenomenon that challenged Australia to rethink its history and ignited a raging debate. With guest speaker Bruce Pascoe, a Bunurong, Yuin and Tasmanian man and award-winning author.

Date: Friday 16 August

Time: 7pm Film

Title: The Australian Wars (Episode 3) 57mins

In this landmark documentary series, filmmaker Rachel Perkins journeys across the country to give voice to the story of The Australian Wars. In this episode we are taken to Northern Australia, where the frontier expansion was conducted by the newly formed colonial governments of Australia. This series swept the Australian film awards, winning top honours across all categories including the Logie for Best Documentary Series. With guest speaker Rachel Perkins, who will discuss the making of the film.

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