Kimberley story to premiere on big screens this week

There is nothing quite like seeing home on the big screen for Dampier Peninsula resident Albert Wiggan.

So when the Bardi-Kija-Nyul Nyul traditional owner got the opportunity to be part of a feature-length documentary exploring some of the key issues shaping the future of the Kimberley, he was happy to take part.

Wiggan said it was a blessing to be able to call a culturally rich environment home, and to be able to showcase that to a wider audience through film.

“We are out of sight, out of mind living in the most remote part of Australia so we don’t necessarily have an opportunity to communicate to the rest of Australia,” he said.

“I think for me it is important to look at platforms like film and music to really have the conversation about who we are as a nation and where we are going.

“There are so many people up there who are really happy to share their stories and are really excited to be on this journey of shaping the future of the Kimberley.”

Undermined: Tales from the Kimberley tells the story of life in the Kimberley and perceived threats from the locals’ perspective.

It explores the implications of the former State Government’s commentary around closing WA’s remote communities, the increasing pressure from industry across the Kimberley, and the current limitations of indigenous land rights.

“It is really putting into context for all Australians why the Kimberley is so important and what value it has to us as a nation,” Wiggan said.

“We have an opportunity now as indigenous people to ask every Australian to ask whether or not this beautiful, untouched region should simply be destroyed like the Pilbara was.”

Wiggan is joined on screen by pastoralist Kevin Oscar and elder June Davis as they reveal their struggle to preserve their homes.

Undermined: Tales from the Kimberley premieres at Luna Cinemas in Leederville and Fremantle and Broome’s Sun Pictures on Thursday, February 21.