The upcoming referendum is a history-defining moment for Australia.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for a Voice to Parliament, Treaty, and Truth-Telling. It builds on generations of Indigenous people negotiating with governments to recognise their status as the First Peoples of this country, and the rights that attach to that status.

Over five evenings, the UTS First Nations Film Festival is showcasing films that offer insight into the fight for self-determination and sovereignty, and the talent of Indigenous filmmakers, producers, actors, artists, and activists.

Film calendar

Monday 28 August, 5.30 pm - Luku Ngärra: The Law of the Land

An intimate journey into the world of the Yolŋu First Nations of Australia, this is the story of one man's 45-year life journey of fighting for his people's political and spiritual freedom. View trailer.
Runtime: 1 hour 15 minutes

Tuesday 29 August, 5.30 pm - Still We Rise

A bold dive into a year of protest and revolutionary change for First Nations people, looking at the 1972 Aboriginal Tent Embassy protest. View trailer.
Runtime: 56 minutes

Wednesday 30 August, 5.30 pm

Three short films explore the long history of protest and fight by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for legal recognition of their rights:

A Primer for Constitutional Reform (Runtime: 27 minutes)

Fred Maynard: Aboriginal Patriot (Runtime: 26 minutes)

Sisters in the Black Movement (Runtime: 26 minutes)

Thursday 31 August, 5.30 pm - You Can Go Now

50 years of First Nations activism in Australia through the lens of First Nations artist Richard Bell. View trailer.
Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes

Friday 1 September, 5.30 pm -The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson

An adaptation of Henry Lawson’s short story, re-conceptualised as a thrilling tale that explores racism and misogyny under colonial rule. View trailer.
Runtime: 1 hour 49 minutes

Note: All film screenings commence at 5.30 pm. Book your spot for one or multiple films by selecting the date and movie you want to attend – they appear on the ticketing page as different ticket types. Please reserve a ticket for each film you plan on attending.

The UTS First Nations Film Festival has been curated by Associate Professor Pauline Clague, Manager of Cultural Resilience Hub at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education & Research.