A film festival sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture is returning to Fremantle. Focus: First Nation Films will be held at the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre on January 24 and 25 as part of the City of Fremantle’s Truth Telling program.
The event will feature short and feature-length documentary films, a First Nations edition of Sunday music from 2pm to 4pm, and guest speakers. A panel from Yokai and Bringing Them Home WA Inc will participate, and author and human rights advocate Thomas Mayo will deliver a keynote address. Mr Mayo will speak about a vision of a reconciled Australia in 2050 and the steps needed to achieve it.
“The Truth Telling program is critical as Australia continues to strive to embrace all Australians, regardless of origin, race or creed,” Mr Mayo said. “I’m honoured to be part of this inaugural speaker series and applaud the city for its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”
The program has been curated by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Tom Murray. “Reflecting honestly on our history is not just about understanding the past. It is also about fostering the knowledge required to create a better future,” he said.
Fremantle mayor Ben Lawver said the festival was an opportunity for everyone to expand their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. City senior Aboriginal engagement officer Brendan Moore described the festival as a centrepiece of the city’s Truth Telling program. “The films are selected for their content and ability to engage audiences with the stories and truths of our national history and identity,” Mr Moore said.
The event is free, with a gold coin donation requested at the gate for charity. It is alcohol-free, and attendees can bring a picnic or buy food from vendors. Truth Telling resource kits will be available for those wanting to develop their own reconciliation plan.
