Documentary clinches award

A documentary based on the life of legendary Aboriginal freedom fighter Jandamarra has won a prestigious Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts award.

Jandamarra’s War, written and directed by local film maker Mitch Torres, and produced by her sister Eileen Torres, clinched the award for best documentary under one hour.

Set in the midst of Banuba lands in the 1890s, the story follows Jandamarra’s fierce three-year battle with the pastoralists. The documentary showcased some of the Kimberley’s most iconic locations, including the breathtaking Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek.

The awards, presented in Sydney, were announced on Monday.

Ms Torres said the win was a great step forward for her professionally, and for the community who were involved in the project.

“I’m absolutely thrilled – the award vindicates me as a serious film maker and the fact that the community trusts me, for example, the Bunuba people entrusted me with their stories,” she said. “This award is for all of us who had something to do with making this story.”

Ms Torres said she had quite a few long-term film projects in the pipeline, including one potentially for release in 2013-14.

Jandamarra’s War is the story of the legendary man who led a rebellion against invading white pastoralists to defend his people’s land and culture.