Indigenous talent set to shine at Nukkan Ya Una

THE three-day Nukkan Ya Una film festival is set for a big weekend when it opens tonight at the Wehl Street Theatre.

A welcoming ceremony will be performed by local elders, including Auntie Hilda Blessios and Auntie Daphne Taylor, as well as traditional Aboriginal dancing by the Sunset Dreaming Dancers from Wimmera in north-western Victoria.

Award-winning Indigenous film and television actress Rachael Maza will also be making a special appearance at the opening.

One of the stars from the film Radiance, Rachael has also worked on Rabbit Proof Fence and directed a number plays.

She is currently the host of the ABC television's Indigenous program Message Stick.

Nukkan Ya Una, which is to be the first Indigenous film festival to be staged outside of a major Australian city, aims to highlight the wealth of Indigenous talent in Australia and also to raise awareness of Indigenous issues.

Through this major cultural event, organisers hope to bring the wider community together – the phrase "nukkan ya una" translates as "see you there" in the Ngarrindjeri language.

Local Indigenous people have been involved in the running and coordination of the project, with the South East Nungas Community Organisation sourcing funding through ATSIC and Burrandies providing helpers for the event.

Indigenous youth have also contributed, with students from 16 high schools around the South East and western Victoria participating in the design competition to create the serpent motif of the festival.

Films to be shown include:

- Radiance
- Storm Boy
- Yolngu Boy
- The Tracker
- Walkabout
- One Night the Moon

Each film will be screened with two Indigenous short films by local Indigenous film makers Chris Bonney and Marie Clarke, who now work in Sydney and Adelaide.

Tickets are $6 for a single session and $4 for concession; $20 for a family pass, including two adults and four children; $25 for a festival pass to all movies; and $60 for a family festival pass.

The special opening ceremony begins at 7pm tonight at the Wehl Street Theatre.

For bookings and enquiries call 8724 7270 or 0408 890 768.