murundak – songs of freedom

MURUNDAK – SONGS OF FREEDOM ANNOUNCES BRISBANE, PERTH, HOBART, BROOME, MELBOURNE, CANBERRA, & DARWIN SCREENINGS

“murundak – songs of freedom takes us out to country and deep into the hearts of the singers; looks back to history and forward with hope. Strong songs, important stories, great spirit” – Paul Kelly

“A powerful and universal tale of courage and unity in the face of adversity. A very important film for our generation and for the on-going discussion about reconciliation” – Missy Higgins

After hugely successful screenings at the St Kilda Festival, Adelaide Film Festival and WOMADelaide, AFI nominated filmmakers Natasha Gadd and Rhys Graham’s documentary about the Black Arm Band, murundak – songs of freedom, will screen across the country from 1 April.

murundak – songs of freedom features The Black Arm Band, a once in a lifetime gathering of Australia’s finest Aboriginal singers, as they take to the road with their songs of resistance and freedom. Filmed over four years, murundak – songs of freedom features the pioneers of Aboriginal protest music including Bart Willoughby, Archie Roach, the late Ruby Hunter as well as emerging artists Emma Donovan and Dan Sultan.

Drawing on extraordinary live performances, intimate interviews and behind the scenes footage, the film charts the unique journey of The Black Arm Band from the Sydney Opera House and London’s Royal Festival Hall to remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. Featuring songs such as We Have Survived, Took The Children Away, Treaty and From Little Things Big Things Grow, murundak – songs of freedom celebrates the anthems of Aboriginal Australia that are etched deep into the history of this country. Filmed against the backdrop of Australia’s changing political landscape – including the rollout of the federal intervention, the end of the Howard era and the Rudd Government’s apology to the Stolen Generations, murundak – songs of freedom charts one of the most significant events in Australian music history as The Black Arm Band raise their voices in song to remind us of the bloodied struggles of the past and the continuing fight for freedom and equality.

murundak – songs of freedom is directed by Natasha Gadd and Rhys Graham (Words from the City), produced by Philippa Campey (Bastardy), Sarah Bond (My Brother Vinnie) and Michael McMahon (Homesong Stories, The Slap).

Screening details:

Brisbane Schonell Cinema, QLD Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, NSW Perth, Luna Palace WA Broome, Sun Cinemas WA Hobart, State Cinema – early April Melbourne, Cinema Nova VIC Canberra, Arc Cinema ACT Darwin, Deckchair Cinemas, NT More cities to follow. Visit www.murundakdocumentary.com for more information

Most performers are involved in a one night only show for Ten Days on the Island Hidden Republic contact Ten Days for info