An immersive VR journey across Australia celebrating the depth and diversity of Indigenous dance and song from the traditional to the contemporary. “We are the gatekeepers of the traditional stories and we blend the ancient with the contemporary.” – Stephan Page, Bangarra artistic director. 156 DANCERS, 36 PERFORMANCES, 9 CULTURAL GROUPS

Interview with Director Dominic Allen

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

To celebrate the depth and diversity of Indigenous song and dance with a broad audience. To facilitate the transmission of respect

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The film is an important and exhilarating reflection of the robust complexity, strength and power of living Indigenous Australian culture. Shot across Australia in remote desert and community areas as well as exclusive areas (such as the stage of Sydney opera house) the film transports you to places you normally couldn’t go to and immerses you in a visceral face to face experience of cultural performances and traditional songs in a way you will never have through traditional formats.

Why VR?

VR tricks the brain into thinking “you’re there”. Many traditional practices are conducted on country and in circles - VR puts you face to face with the performers, in the circle with them.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film acknowledges and pays deep respect to the unique and often personal practices of different individuals, language groups and communities across indigenous Australia but it also is exalted by a respect for the universal language of dance.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script was written by indigenous Warradjari woman and award winning author Tara June Winch and evolved as the groups featured gave invaluable insight to the history and meaning of their performances. Additionally as Jack Charles and David Gulpilil encountered the script they both bought their own treatment to it, evolving it further.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Very good :) see attached media report sheet and report.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It’s been satisfying and demonstrates the broad interest in the subject as well as the collective interest of both contemptuous Australians and foreigners in learning more about First Australians.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

General awareness and a platform to celebrate the substantial possibilities for the film to continue to engage audiences.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All of the above.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Large scale exposure to Australian audiences of all groups, especially children who will become the future leaders of our country. Furthermore the film will stand as an important and valuable archive for future generations of the custodians of the cultural stories it contains.

Carriberrie - Behind the scenes in Byron Bay

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

I’ll leave that to you as I’m keen to not bring a white (mine) political understanding to this film. However I will say that the film, I hope, demonstrates the benefits of white Australians seeking and taking leadership from Jndignekus people on matters of cultural and social relevance to First Nation communities. The film benefited from a rigorous attendance to working within ICIP protocols, and screen Australia’s indigenous ethics guidelines. Furthermore as director and producer I was at all stages led by a robust group of Indigenous Australians including former Bangarra chair and 2018 NAIDOC nominee Marilyn Miller and Senior Walmjarri woman Annette Kogolo.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Bangarra just launched a new work, Dark Emu, Tara is about to launch her new novel, Marilyn is busy as ever and I’m working hard to get this film made into a life size, 9 room exhibition where viewers walk through a series of domes.

Interview: August 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Carriberrie exists in different platforms:

Virtual Reality/360 Film

14 minute

Abstract/Non-Traditional Documentary Journey

3D 8K

Virtual Reality Interactive Application

75 minutes of song and dance

3D 8K

Interactive, user motivated experience

Full Dome/Planetarium

25 minute edit

45 minute edit

Narrated Documentary