Kyindoo Wilam (Learning Place) – short films for kids

A selection of animations and short films from across the world.

This is a place where children, teenagers and adults can come to watch and learn. Stories that are beautifully expressed with honesty and warmth yet highlighting the negative impact of colonisation and the profound strength through the connection to culture by Indigenous people.

Jarli

Director: Chantelle Murray (Bardi & Bunial), Simon Rippingale
Australia | 2021 | 8 mins | English

Jarli is an adventurous Australian Aboriginal girl with dreams of heading to space. Jarli's first two ingenious attempts to fly into the stratosphere result in grounded aircraft, however, all is not lost.

Wanmari

Director: Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi & Mandandanji)
Australia | 2021 | 8 mins | English | Roper Kriol

A Ngalakgan woman from Ngukurr, NT, just wants to catch a nailfish at her favourite fishing spot, Wanmari. But her family are thwarting her plans.

Spirit Bear And Children Make History

Director: Amanda Strong (Michif)
USA | 2021 | 15 mins | English

When Spirit Bear’s mom tells him about an important human rights case happening in Ottawa, Ontario, he makes the LONG trip (by train, his favourite way to travel) to go and watch, and to stand up for First Nations kids.

Waru

Director: Matrumili Artists & Kanirnipa Jukurrpa Rangers
Australia | 2022 | 8 mins | English | Martu Wangka

Artists and rangers collaborate on Country to to share knowledge, stories and artwork about waru (fire).

Heart Like a Pow Wow

Director: Chief Lady Bird (Chippewa and Potawatomi)
Canada | 2022 | 5 mins | English

An animated short directed by Chief Lady Bird, which explores the depths of grief from an Anishinaabe perspective of love and family, by poet and musician Tara Williamson.

Soli Bula

Director: Meli Tuqota Jr (Fijian)
Fiji | 2022 | 7 mins | English Subtitles | Fijian

On this auspicious day, a giant, double hulled canoe, called a ‘Drua’, is destined to be launched with full pomp and ceremony at sea. And in all the flurry, there is a man who, along with others, is lined up to be a human human sacrifice for the Drua.