The 2024 Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival which takes place from May 27 to June 3, during National Reconciliation Week, will celebrate its eighth year with a feast of films, videos and activities at venues in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Heathcote, Glenlyon and Yandoit.
This year's festival showcases an exciting range of activities, discussions and First Nations films, documentaries and videos starring and telling stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from Central Victoria and across Australia
The festival officially kicks off at 4pm Monday May 27 at Bendigo Library with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. There will be an official opening, the announcement of the winners and screening of the entries in this year's Koorie Youth Flick Fest, followed by a screening of the film The Sapphires.
This year's festival screenings include the 2023 release of Warwick Thornton's new film The New Boy, plus The Australian Dream starring Adam Goodes, Sweet Country, Sweet As, the first screening of The Earth Above: a deep time view of Australia's epic history at the Bendigo Planetarium, and documentaries Luku Ngarra - the Law of the Land and The Last Daughter. First Nations Curator Jenna Rain Warwick will be discussing contemporary First Nations Video Art at the La Trobe Art Institute.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said over the last 23 years National Reconciliation Week has helped shape Australia's journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation.
"The City is committed to reconciliation and we are delighted that people can come together to celebrate at this years Central Victoria Indigenous Film Festival," Cr Metcalf said.
"National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia."
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024 is Now More Than Ever. The theme is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.
