National Reconciliation Week 2026: stories that bring us closer
Beamafilm
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22/05/2026
Stories have always helped us make sense of who we are and who we can become.
During National Reconciliation Week, we pause to reflect on Australia’s shared history and recognise the ongoing journey towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
Film has a unique ability to bring us closer to experiences beyond our own. It can challenge assumptions, preserve memory, celebrate culture, and open conversations that continue long after the credits roll.
This collection brings together powerful films that invite audiences to engage with First Nations perspectives across generations and across the country. Through documentaries, feature films, and stories grounded in lived experience, these works explore identity, Country, family, resilience, creativity, and truth-telling.
Some stories look back. Others imagine new futures. Together, they remind us that reconciliation is not a destination, but an ongoing commitment to listening, learning, and understanding.
This week, we invite you to discover films that celebrate First Nations voices and deepen our understanding of the many stories that shape Australia.
Watch, reflect, and continue the conversation. Because stories shared are stories that connect us.
Watch for FREE with a participating library card or on a 30-day trial. Also, you can rent a film for 72 hours.
A retrospective of David Gulpilil's most significant works in Australian cinema.
The film shows how David Gulpilil was always working to bridge the gap between the tribal Aboriginal and Western worlds.
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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...
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When Aboriginal stockman Sam kills white station owner Harry March in self-defence, Sam and his wife Lizzie go on the run.
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The Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir go on a historic journey to take back the hymns that were given to their ancestors by the German missionaries, but in their own ancient languages.
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Gem, a spirited 8-year-old girl, deals with the grief of her mother's death by forging a bond with a wild emu.
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Filmmaker Maya Newell follows a 10-year-old Aboriginal boy and his family as they strive to give him the best education possible.
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The personal and political story of Romaine Moreton, a Goenpul, Yagerabul, Minjungbal, Bundjalung, South Sea Islander poet, performance artist, and philosopher, who uses words to illustrate the plight and beauty of...
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An Indigenous woman revisits her memories of her first contact with whitefellas.
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The sun-drenched landscapes of the Northern Territory form the backdrop for a politically neutral, storytelling approach aimed at fostering learning and connection between Indigenous Australian communities and urban...
In turn-of-the-century Australia, two criminals ingratiate themselves with a rancher in order to swindle him. However, the two partners become rivals for the affection of the rancher's beautiful daughter.
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Go behind the scenes and onto the stage of a legendary concert to discover the story of Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter - a story told in song. Their powerful tale will resonate with everyone in Australia and beyond.
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In colonial Australia, an Aboriginal woman takes a lost white child under her wing.
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Utopia is a vast region in northern Australia and home to the oldest human presence on earth. ‘This film is a journey into that secret country'.
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In Australia, during the era of the Stolen Generations, thousands of Aboriginal girls were taken from their families and pressed into domestic servitude by the Australian Government.
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The shocking Australian classic of racism and revenge.
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Great artist Albert Namatjira was caught between cultures – paraded as a great Australian, whilst treated with contempt. Today his family fight for survival, justice and to regain their grandfather’s copyright.
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Recreation of the landmark 1958 South Australian Court trial of young aboriginal Max Stuart.
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A part-Aboriginal teenage ex-convict is led back into crime by his reckless cousin.
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The story of Jay Minning, singer-songwriter of the most remote rock band in the world, the Desert Stars.
The Australian outback, 1922.... four men relentlessly track a fugitive, an aboriginal man accused of murdering a white woman.
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Growing up isn’t easy for a young man torn between the modern world and his ancient culture.
Tom "Putuparri" Lawford navigates the deep chasm between his Western upbringing and his determination to keep his traditional culture alive.
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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.
A poetic cine-essay about race and colonialism.
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There is a new generation of warriors on Palm Island.
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What is the true cost of doing business? Australia’s vast and unspoiled Kimberley region is under threat, with mining, pastoralism and irrigated agriculture driving an unprecedented land grab.
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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.
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Reconciliation,indigenous,Australian,