November will be an exciting month for Pama Language Centre and the Mpakwithi Ancestral Language Action Team, with the screening of our Mpakwithi Language film Mamalithi Chatha - Voices of Old Mapoon, at two major film festivals. The film has also been named a Canberra Short Film Festival finalist.
Mamalithi Chatha - Voices of Old Mapoon is a groundbreaking cinematic event, recounting the forced removal of the Mpakwithi people from their homelands at Mapoon, remembered and told, sung and painted by the Mpakwithi people themselves in the Mpakwithi Language.
Directed by Johnny Mark (Mpakwithi Nation) and Karin Calley (Pama Language Centre), this remarkable film combines the power of song with a blend of animation and live action, creating a mesmerising storytelling experience that will resonate with First Nations audiences worldwide.
The film transports viewers back to the banks of the Batavia River in the early 1960’s, sharing happy memories of childhood at Old Mapoon. For the narrators, who were children at the time, life at Old Mapoon ended traumatically with their forced removal from their ancestral lands and the burning of their homes.
Through a unique amalgamation of song, animation and live action, the film offers a poignant portrayal of the Mpakwithi people's deep connection to their land and the enduring legacy of their cultural identity. The film reveals the struggles, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Mpakwithi community in the face of adversity.
"This film is a tribute to the courage and strength of the Mpakwithi people. We honour their journey and hear their voices. Through song, animation and live action, we want to capture the essence of the Mpakwithi story and to preserve it for generations to come." – Karin Calley
This film is an immersive cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impression, prompting reflection, empathy and a deeper understanding of the significance of preserving cultural heritage and acknowledging the historical injustices and ongoing struggles faced by First Nations communities.
Mamalithi Chatha - Voices of Old Mapoon not only sheds light on a little-known chapter of Australia's history but also serves as a testament to the resilience of Indigenous communities worldwide.
Mpakwithi is a revival language of Tentpole Creek on Western Cape York Peninsula. The Mpakwithi language community now resides at New Mapoon in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).
Mamalithi Chatha was launched in 2023 by the Mpakwithi language community in New Mapoon to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the burning of Old Mapoon.
In November Mamalithi Chatha will be screened at the Garafuna International Indigenous Film Festival (November 10–12) in Venice California and at the Canberra Short Film Festival (November 6 – 20) in Canberra.
The Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival (November 10-12) was founded in 2012 with a mission to preserve the values and aspirations of all indigenous people and Garifuna cultures. Founded by Freda Sideroff an indigene of the Garifuna, the GIFF’s mission is to specifically support the preservation of all indigenous cultures in the world through art and film.
An annual event where leaders and members of the community are recognized for their contributions to the betterment and elevation of the dignity of humanity, GIIFF showcases a variety of films and documentaries created by Garifuna filmmakers as well as by many other indigenous people including feature films & short films as well as panel discussions, workshops and cultural presentations. It is equally an annual venue that reconciles, entertains and portrays the very diverse and brilliant cultures to participants of the festival.
At a time when Western civilization is struggling with global problems, the GIIFF showcases important lessons to be learned from indigenous cultures such as interconnectedness, wisdom of our elders, sustainable living and how to live in harmony with nature.
Canberra Short Film Festival (Nov 6-20th) is an independently-run local festival, supported by ASFF Inc, a not for profit body and a group of wonderful sponsors and partners. This year, Canberra Short Film Festival had just under 800 submissions this year from which we are able to bring to screen almost 300 short films, animations and music videos in 22 separate screenings. Voices of Old Mapoon has been selected in the First Nations category.
Mamalithi Chatha - Voices of Old Mapoon will be made available for public viewing after the festival screenings
