Manganinnie

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John Honey, 90 mins, Australia, 1980, 35mm, B&W. Source: National Film and Sound Archive - The Deluxe Kodak Collection. Courtesy: Archives Office of Tasmania.

Manganinnie

Set in the 1830s, this child's-eye view of the virtual genocide of the Indigenous peoples of Tasmania by British Colonial forces sees title character Manganinnie (Mawuyal Yanthalawuy) go into hiding after her husband is killed and her tribe is driven away.

Tagging along is a small white girl, who Manganinnie takes under her wing as she searches for her lost tribe, making this an affecting 'odd couple' pairing.

Tasmania's rugged landscape from the mountains to the sea are used to great effect as the duo trek across this at times unforgiving land.

This 30th anniversary screening is co-presented by the Australian Film Institute.

"Every year has its special film and this year it is Maganinnie. At a time when American cultural imperialism again seems ready to destroy an indigenous film culture, John Honey's first feature film is delivered like a a gift from the spirits of the dreamtime." Sydney Morning Herald, 1980