Burnt Country & Tales of the Diaspora
In the second session of the ANZ FILM FESTIVAL 2025, we welcome UK-based Antipodean filmmakers Kirsten Slemint and Lidwina Tutuvanu to present two brand new short documentaries, followed by a post-screening Q&A about their work.
BURNT COUNTRY
Kirsten Slemint’s BAFTA and Grierson Award nominated
Burnt Country
examines the significance of cultural burning for First Nations communities in Lutruwita (Tasmania) and its growing importance across Australia in the face of devastating bushfires and catastrophic climate change. In the wake of the recent wildfires in California, this film’s message feels as urgent as ever.
TALES OF THE DIASPORA
Tales of the Diaspora
is the debut film from xxiivanu productions, and was conceived as a love letter to Pasifika youth around the world, as they navigate the sometimes tumultuous waves of finding and retaining cultural identity whilst growing up away from their homelands.
Kirsten and Lidwina will join us after the films for a short Q&A to discuss their films, and the challenges of telling Antipodean stories from afar.
Australian and New Zealand snacks and sweets will be on sale, and a raffle will take place before the screening.
DIRECTOR STATEMENTS
BURNT COUNTRY
As a non-Indigenous Director, I have been in the extremely privileged position of making this film under the guidance of the South East Nations. Their contributions have brought a depth and nuance which could not have been reached otherwise, and has allowed us to centre the voices and wisdom of our First Nations. I acknowledge and pay my deepest respect and gratitude to the Melukerdee and Nuenonne tribes of the South East Nations, and the custodians, the Palawa and Lowanna who welcomed me onto their country and generously shared their wisdom, knowledge and culture throughout this film.