We acknowledge Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF are based.
We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

The Dark Emu Story

Directed by Allan Clarke
2023
Australia
82 minutes
All Ages
A thought provoking, revelatory and inspiring documentary telling the story of Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu – the publishing phenomenon that challenged Australia to rethink its history and ignited a raging debate.
The 2014 best-selling book makes explosive claims that First Nations people were not only hunters and gatherers but also farmers who were part of a complex economic system. Inspired by the journals of British explorers, Pascoe prosecutes the contentious argument that First Nations people settled in villages, devised extraordinary methods of aquaculture and astronomy and were the world’s first bakers. The author’s compelling narrative smashes the orthodoxy and turns the view of ‘traditional’ Aboriginal life on its head. But Dark Emu ignited a fierce debate, sparking searing criticism. Academics and conservative commentators lined up to scorn Pascoe’s work and question the knowledge of the First Australians. Amidst the storm, a public war of words then swirled over the Aboriginality and identity of Pascoe himself. Allan Clarke’s The Dark Emu Story, produced by Blackfella Films (First Australians, Redfern Now), delves deep into the controversy, enlightens our understanding of Australian history and provides a platform for First Nations peoples to share their story.

Join us at the Hub for Talk: The Dark Emu Story.

Special Guest

Darren Dale
Producer
A director of Blackfella Films since 2000, Darren Dale has produced award winning documentary, factual and drama programs.

Tickets

Sat 17 Jun
4:40pm
State Theatre
Assisted Listening
Wheelchair
Past Event Cancel
Sun 18 Jun
12:15pm
State Theatre
Assisted Listening
Wheelchair
Past Event Cancel
Program Strand
Official Competition, First Nations
Year
2023
Classification
All Ages
Country
Australia
Language
In Gamilaraay, English, Wik-Mungkan and Wik-Ngathan with English subtitles
Director
Allan Clarke
Producer
Darren Dale, Belinda Mravicic, Jacob Hickey
Cast
Bruce Pascoe
Screenwriter
Allan Clarke, Jacob Hickey
Cinematographer
Simon Morris
Editor
Mark Atkin ASE
Premiere
World Premiere
Genre
Literary & Adaptations, Documentary, First Nations, Australian Films
Company Credits
Distributor: ABC Commercial
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