THE touching story of an Aboriginal boy torn between two worlds has been brought to life on the big screen, in new film Mungo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Directed by Tamworth local Leonie Kelly, the short film is based on a true story set in the 1800s in the Garoo area, near Nundle.
Filmed entirely on Garoo property Tamarang Station, the engaging narrative explores what happens when two cultures meet, and is a celebration of the local Gamilaroi culture and language.
The director, an Indigenous woman herself, has a strong connection to country and culture and has worked with the local Aboriginal community to bring the production to life, with numerous actors from the Tamworth region.
"The message I hope people take away from this film is that it is important to keep our identity strong and pass onto our younger generations the value of maintaining a connection to traditional practices," she said.
"It was exhilarating to be able to have our Gamilaraay language and culture be a part of this film and to be able to share it to the world to see is truly amazing and I'm so proud of our achievements."
Read also:
The film was produced by Farm Gate Production, an independent Tamworth music and film production launched in 2015.
It tells the story of Mungo, a young Aboriginal boy on the cusp of initiation, played by Javier Jones.
After a chance encounter with James Ashton and his travelling circus, Mungo is instantly spellbound by the magic of the circus, but is torn between the two worlds.
Does he do what is expected of him and follow in the footsteps of tribal leaders before him? Or does he take a chance and go on the adventure of a lifetime with the Ashton Circus?
The strong local cast sees Will Jerrard playing a Gamilaroi Elder, Tamworth's Uchenna Moran playing a Gamilaroi young man, Bowen Strong as a Gamilaroi young boy and Patrick Strong play a Gamilaroi Elder and Leader.
Sydney-based actor Paul Hughes plays the role of James Henry Ashton from the Ashton Circus.
"When I came across the history about Mungo and the Ashton Circus up in Hanging Rock I explored the history surrounding the story and being able to tell Indigenous stories is a way of giving back to the community and sharing perspectives that may not have been shared on the big screen before," Ms Kelly explained.
"The film had to be filmed close to the actual events happening back in the 1800s and I have been very fortunate to have Richard Bull and Lauren Denmead from Tamarang Station allowing me to film on their beautiful property at Garoo.
"An 1800 style township was made by Ben and Matthew Gairdner and the team and it just set the style of the film. The landscapes were amazing rolling hills to running creek beds."
Shot over three days back in April 2021, the movie took around 12 months to develop.
"Working with the local Indigenous community was an amazing experience," Ms Kelly added.
"We have so many talented actors and creatives in Tamworth and it was a pleasure to be able to approach and work together on this story and to give the opportunity to the community to be able to perform and re-enact their ancestors to tell the story."
The film will be released in mid-2022, and will premiere at the Tamworth Short Film Festival in October 2022.
A red carpet event in Tamworth is also planned, before the film is released onto social media platforms.
The Short Film Mungo has already hit the Film Festival run, with submissions entered all over the world and has achieved amazing success.
Lead actor Javier Jones has won three Best Child Actor awards coming from Paris and New York and director Leonie Kelly has received two awards for Best Director of a Historical Film.
The film will be produced as a study guide for schools in Australia and overseas to be able to learn the Gamilaraay language, culture and history.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News