NAIDOC Week is a time for celebrating First Nations Australians. This week Beamafilm is proud to announce the release of Ablaze, a powerful new documentary celebrating the life and work of Australia's first indigenous filmmaker, William 'Bill' Onus (1906-1968). We are also pleased to release an exclusive interview with co-writer/co-director, Alec Morgan on our blog page.
Ablaze acknowledges the important work of Australia's first indigenous filmmaker, William “Bill” Onus, who was a Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri man from Wodonga, Victoria. This film is essential viewing for NAIDOC Week, skillfully telling the story of Bill's extraordinary life, his film work and the causes he championed so passionately.
Ablaze captivates us from the outset by revealing how Bill's grandson, opera singer and co-writer/co-director Tiriki Onus, discovers his grandfather's archival film footage. His discovery sets an investigative journey in motion uncovering truths that ultimately challenge and inspire us to join Bill's cause.
Bill Onus' remarkable film work serves as a potent and timeless vehicle for driving his fight for First Nations justice home and, with the release of Ablaze on Beamafilm for NAIDOC Week 2022, Bill's work is becoming more accessible than ever, amplifying his causes more broadly.
Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Stream Ablaze and other great First Nations stories from the selections we've curated to enlighten and inspire you. Happy NAIDOC Week 2022!
Watch for FREE with a participating library card or on a 30-day trial. Also, you can rent a film for 48 hours.
Ancient knowledge. A way forward. A legacy shared. Djalu Gurruwiwi, a warrior, shaman, and father, must bring worlds together for the future of his sons and his culture. He connects with the global pop star, Gotje, to help in this quest
Journeying into the heart of Aboriginal protest music following the Black Arm Band, a gathering of some of Australia’s finest Indigenous musicians, as they take to the road with their songs of resistance and liberty.
Indigenous detective Jay Swan arrives in the town of Goldstone to search for a missing person, and his simple duty becomes complicated when he uncovers a web of crime and corruption.
What does it mean to be Australian and what does it take for any individual to stand up for what they truly believe in? The Australian Dream is a deeply personal, comprehensive exploration of Adam Goodes’ journey.
Ernie Dingo delivers an outstanding portrayal of Robert Tudawali, the first Aboriginal film star, whose lead role in Jedda is iconic in Australian cinema.
Director Warwick Thornton assembles a collection of poignant, sad, funny and absurd ghost tales from across Australia and brings them to life with some of Australia’s most iconic actors as the storytellers.
