The story of Australia began far earlier than 1770, and throughout the centuries of trade between the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land and Makassans Muslims of Sulawesi, these interactions and stories were shared, documented and passed down in to the culture of both of these peoples separated by sea. This documentary digs deep in to the connection shared between Aboriginal Australians and Makassan Muslims, discovering bloodlines, rock paintings and language dating back centuries, well before white settlement in Australia. Through the discovery of this connection, a new story of belonging is found that isn’t found in the history books of today.

This documentary was filmed over 3 years in both Australia and Indonesia spanning multiple trips to remote islands with weeks spent on the land with the Yolgnu people of Arnhem Land as well as the descendants of traders in Makassar, Indonesia. Through the use of both real world documentary capture and reenactments, this story shares and celebrates the rich connection that these people have held and passed on for generations.

MY ROLE:

Camera Operator

PRODUCTION:

Producers: Wesam Charkawi & Fadle El-Harris

Director: Wesam Charkawi

Co-Director: Fadle El-Harris

Director of Photography: John Cameron Feast

Audio Operator: Richard Teague

Music: Me-Lee Hay

Sound Mix: John Hresc

Presented by: Abu Hanifa Institute

GEAR:

BlackMagic Cinema Camera

Sigma Cine Prime Lenses

Wireless Directors Monitor Kit

DJI Inspire 2

DJI Ronin Gimbal

Easyrig