AustLit

A hard-drinking advertising executive is given a second chance by his long-suffering girlfriend, on condition that he stays away from alcohol for a year.

'The six-episode series Black Comedy, written by and starring indigenous performers, is the first comedy by the ABC's Indigenous Department. Since its launch in 2010, the department has primarily produced critically acclaimed drama including Redfern Now, The Gods of Wheat Street and telemovie Mabo. 'The series combines a mix of obsercational physical shetches, historical sketches and parodies of TV, film and commericials.' (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald online; Koori Mail issue, 587, 2014:4)

'Fresh out of prison, beautiful yet complex Karen is a young woman with a burning desire to turn her life around for good. Upon her release from prison she finds herself on the streets with no-one to call for help. Determined to stay on track Karen finds shelter at Temple House - a safe haven for Aboriginal women like herself. With the support of her new family of friends Karen begins the journey of reconnecting with her estranged mother and her young daughter and is soon propelled to face the difficult truth that shame is a powerful force and sometimes the most important person to forgive is yourself.'

Source: 'Young and Old: Connecting Generations'. AIATSIS National Indigenous Studies Conference 2011 (http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/research/conf2011/docs/Program.pdf)

An adopted Aboriginal boy, Russell is a troublemaker who has been suspended from school and arrested. The narrative sees him fly to Bourke, the town where he was born, with his white foster father, John. The trip is John's way of trying to find an opportunity to communicate with his foster son before it's too late. For John the trip is simply a tick-off list - visit the Bourke District Hospital, visit the Aboriginal reserve, go for a swim, etc. For Russell, however, the trip is much more personal. When John leaves him alone briefly Russell tries to get hold of as much as he can, including his birth mother's name and a handful of earth which he puts into his pocket. He also experiences racism by a white hotel manager.

'Samson and Delilah tells the story of two Aboriginal teenagers in a remote community. They live in a sparse environment but one that absorbs all manner of cultural influences, where dot painting and country music exist side by side. Samson gets through his days by sniffing, while Delilah is the caregiver for her nana before taking a moment for herself to listen to Latino music. Their journey ranges across many of the most urgent issues concerning Indigenous people in Australia, homelessness, poverty, domestic violence and substance abuse, but it does so with tenderness, dignity, and even humour.'

Source: Adelaide Film Festival website, www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/ Sighted: 23/02/2009

'Nana's granddaughter thinks Nana's pretty special. She loves her Nana because she helps the old people, she's a good painter and other people love her too. Nana's got everyone under control.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'BLOOD LINES is about finding your heritage in urban Australia. Finding out where your blood runs...'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'Jinaali is a sweet, overweight Aboriginal checkout chick at the local supermarket. Her boss, Mr Chuck, is constantly on her back until Jinaali finds a voice of her own. Have you got your Jackie Jackie doll yet?'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'Thirteen-year-old Jason is going through the changes to become a young man. His mother sends him to the only decent role model she can think of, his paternal grandfather, for a holiday at a small coastal town.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'When 11-year-old Whalen spies a Special Forces dinghy off the jetty, the whole town gets in on the action to outdo the professionals at their own game. Set in the Torres Strait Island communities of Barnaga and Seisia, SHARPEYE tells the story of the Charlie Company.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'Ben's plea for forgiveness leads to a shocking discovery.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'Two brothers face a crisis of dignity, which causes them to examine their relationship and sets them on a quest to become indeed, two big boys.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'Trying to find a job, Dan has to overcome social stereotypes.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

Custard tells the story of a young Aboriginal woman who visits her grandmother after the death of the grandfather. She is looking for answers to her many questions. Although a sad film, it is not without humour when the granddaughter reads out a modified death certificate where the old man died of an overdose of custard. Custard is based on a true story.

'Ethel and her friend Mary resort to an unlikely occupation at night to top up their pensions. Ethel's daughter is horrified when she discovers they are not really 'playing cards'.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'Who would have thought a glass of water could cause so much havoc?'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)

'The business of being black today takes many forms: outrageous, courageous, mysterious, simple, straightforward and complex. The good, the bad and the ugly. But what makes our bit of business unique? The 13 short films in this series are directed by Indigenous filmmakers from around Australia.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 9/4/2014)