Berlinale NATIVe – a journey into indigenous cinema

Photo: www.markrogers.com.au

Rowan McNamara and Marissa Gibson as Samson & Delilah (AUS 2009; directed by Warwick Thornton)

The 2013 Berlinale will see the launch of a special series devoted to the cinematic story-telling of Indigenous peoples worldwide: “NATIVe – A Journey into Indigenous Cinema.” The programme will introduce audiences to the milestones of Indigenous filmmaking and includes features, documentaries and short films.

With the help of Indigenous film experts, curator Maryanne Redpath is putting together a diverse programme which will be shown at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. Discussions between experts, filmmakers and audiences before and following the films will give greater insight into the culturally diverse and politically, economically and artistically charged history of Indigenous cinema and its creators.

The regional focus of the first year’s programme will be on the four pillars of Indigenous cinematic culture: Australia, New Zealand/Oceania, Canada and the United States. The special series will also draw attention to Indigenous film productions in all of the Festival's sections and sidebars.

With NATIVe, the Berlinale aims to show its appreciation of Indigenous cinematic heritage and demonstrate its relevance beyond tribe and nation.