Ngamu (Mother)

"Ngamu" is a captivating short film co-directed and co-produced by John Hartley and David Salomon. With narration by David Salomon and an evocative musical score by John Hartley, this film immerses viewers in a rich tapestry of storytelling, dance, and song.

Set against the backdrop of lush canopies and the whispering winds of an ancient land, within the Kubirriwarra Yalanji estate the film explores the profound connections between people, their country, and their stories.

  • John Hartley
    Director
    Two Brothers Walking
  • David Salomon
    Director
    Two Brothers Walking
  • John Hartley
    Writer
  • David Christopher Salomon
    Writer
    Two Brothers Walking
  • Chat GPT
    Writer
  • John Hartley
    Producer
    Two Brothers Walking
  • David Christopher Salomon
    Producer
    Two Brothers Walking
  • Project Type:
    Experimental
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 7, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Port Shorts Film Festival
    Port Douglas
    Australia
    October 14, 2023
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - John Hartley, David Salomon

John Hartley and David Salomon began cultural filmmaking in 2008 seeking to contribute to revitalising community life. The documentary "Two Brothers Walking" is a portrayal of life experience living under customary law and culture as well as the impact of colonisation.

Ngamu (Mother) is celebratory, fostering a sense of identity, unity, and pride within community. It serves as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, education, and community engagement, continuing the rich tradition of cultural transmission through oracy.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"In 'Ngamu,' the Kuku Yalanji word for 'Mother,' we embark on a cinematic journey that transcends time and culture. This film is a celebration of our rich heritage and a poignant exploration of a tradition reawakening after a century of slumber. 'Ngamu' beautifully records stories, dances, and songs that follow a traditional form, yet presented in a contemporary style. The film is not a linear narrative but a holistic view—a vehicle for emotional resonance.

Our core aspiration with 'Ngamu' is to immerse the audience in the timeless presence of culture deeply embedded in our country. We want viewers to experience the profound connection between culture and the land, feeling the pulse of our identity and heritage. Through 'Ngamu,' we aim to inspire a shared commitment to maintaining and preserving our culture for generations to come.

To achieve this, 'Ngamu' takes a documentary approach, utilising the natural beauty of our location and ambient lighting to capture the authenticity and essence of our traditions. The film includes speeches, performances, and images of dancers and cultural songs to create an intimate and unfiltered portrayal of 'Country, Story, People.'

'Ngamu' is not just a film; it is an integral part of the event it describes and represents. The ceremony depicted in the film marks a historic coming together for the first time in a century and reflects the tireless efforts of our entire community, with a special acknowledgment to the Kubirriwarra Elders and Cameron Buchanan for dance and song chants. Their wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have been instrumental in the realisation of 'Ngamu.' Their cultural insights and commitment to preserving our heritage have been a guiding light throughout this journey. This film is a tribute to their enduring legacy and the profound impact of their leadership within our community.

It has resulted in the reformation of stories, songs, and dances rooted in custom. Alongside this revival is the important work of language revitalisation and the beginning of a journey to tell family and community stories.

In essence, 'Ngamu' is a short film that captures the culmination of a cultural and language project—a small step toward a positive future. It symbolises our community's empowerment and signifies a break from the past experiences of colonisation. It is a testament to the resilience, strength, and unbreakable spirit of belonging within our culture."