WINHANGANHA

WINHANGANHA offers a vital counter-narrative to established historical accounts, highlighting the often-overlooked impact of archival practices on First Nations peoples. By examining how collections shape collective memory, the film prompts a re-evaluation of Australian identity and history. It encourages a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the past, acknowledging the enduring consequences of colonial legacies and the importance of Indigenous voices.

Audiences can anticipate a deeply reflective and poetic viewing experience. WINHANGANHA is not a film that presents easy answers but rather encourages contemplation. Through its masterful use of archival material, original music, and spoken word, it aims to provoke thought and foster a deeper understanding of how history is collected, remembered, and experienced, particularly through an Indigenous lens.

WINHANGANHA can be described as a lyrical journey that blends documentary elements with experimental approaches. It utilises archival footage, sound, poetry, and original musical compositions to create a rich, evocative experience. Rather than a traditional linear narrative, it offers a contemplative exploration of its themes, inviting personal interpretation and emotional resonance from the viewer.

Jazz Money is an acclaimed Wiradjuri artist whose perspective shapes the entire film. WINHANGANHA is told through their eyes, offering a unique and personal insight into the complexities of archives and their impact on First Nations people. Their artistic voice and critical engagement guide the viewer through a journey of archival exploration and reflection.

The title WINHANGANHA, meaning 'Remember, know, think' in the Wiradjuri language, is fundamental to the film's purpose. It acts as an invocation, urging viewers to engage with the material on a deeper, more reflective level. This linguistic choice underscores the film's focus on Indigenous perspectives and the importance of remembering, knowing, and thinking critically about history and its representation.

The film employs archival footage and sound as its primary medium, weaving them into a lyrical and poetic tapestry. These historical elements are not presented passively but are actively interrogated to explore their role in shaping perceptions of the past and present. Coupled with original compositions and spoken word, the archival material becomes a dynamic force, inviting viewers to reconsider the narratives embedded within these historical fragments.

WINHANGANHA delves into the profound impact of archival practices and the enduring legacies of collection on First Nations people and the broader Australian narrative. It's a thoughtful examination of how historical records and their custodianship shape understanding and memory, particularly for Indigenous communities. The film uses the lens of acclaimed Wiradjuri artist Jazz Money to uncover these complex relationships and their ongoing significance.