Community Arts Network (CAN) present two narrative documentaries from the archive: Welcome to Balardong, a delightful yet poignant oral history from the town of York in Balardong set to stop motion animation, and Noongar Boodja (Noongar Country), created by young Aboriginal people from Albany.
True to its roots planted firmly in the social activism of the 1960s and the early international community arts movement, CAN slates projects where the creative process itself drives the change CAN wish to achieve. Often, as with these documentary films, the process not only resonates deeply with the community, but the resulting works find their place on national and international stages.
Welcome to Balardong | York
The Welcome to Balardong animation was produced during CAN’s Rekindling Stories on Country program in York.
Director Mat Sav together elements from the program to create an impactful short film that shares previously untold stories about Noongar life in and around York.
Stop-motion animated sequences were created by animator Steve Aiton and Noongar artist Bradley Kickett, which were then blended with narration by community storytellers.
Noongar Boodja | Albany
‘Noongar Boodja’ is a documentary made by young Aboriginal people from Albany.
This stunning cinematic story with Noongar Elders explores significant places, their Noongar names, and culture in Albany and surrounding areas.
This film was developed as part of the Community Arts Network (CAN) Place Names program, which looks to engage Noongar communities in exploring the meaning of language and culture through place.
The documentaries are on exhibit at the City of Perth’s Northbridge Piazza Superscreen and Forrest Place’s Arts Screen as part of the Goologoolup NAIDOC Screenings. See the festival guide for screening times. (https://screenarts.com.au/goologoolup-24/)
Image credit
Noongar Boodja | Still
Community Arts Network
About the screening
The Northbridge Piazza Screen hosts a variety of screenings, from formal events like feature films, complete with bean bag seating for viewers, to more casual gatherings for sporting events and exhibitions (such as this screening). Here, visitors can relax on the lawn, savour the renowned culinary delights of Northbridge, or enjoy a stroll along James Street, taking in the vibrant artwork.