Question 1

Is 'Always Was, Always Will Be' a documentary or a narrative film?

Accepted Answer

Based on the plot summary, 'Always Was, Always Will Be' appears to be an account of an actual protest undertaken by the Aboriginal People of Perth. This suggests it functions as a documentary or docu-drama, capturing a specific historical event and its cultural context. The focus on the protection of ancestral beliefs and sacred ground points towards a commitment to recording and sharing lived experiences and community struggles.

Question 2

How does the film explore the concept of sacred ground?

Accepted Answer

'Always Was, Always Will Be' delves into the profound significance of sacred ground through the lens of the Aboriginal People of Perth's protest. The film highlights the Ancestral First Grandmothers' and Grandfathers' Beliefs of the Sacred Ground of the Waugul at the old Swan Brewery. This sacredness is presented as intrinsic to their cultural identity and spiritual well-being, making its protection a paramount concern for the community.

Question 3

What does the title 'Always Was, Always Will Be' suggest about the film's themes?

Accepted Answer

The title 'Always Was, Always Will Be' powerfully conveys a message of enduring connection and unbroken lineage. It speaks to the deep, timeless relationship between Aboriginal people and their land, asserting that this connection predates colonial history and will continue indefinitely. This sentiment underpins the film's portrayal of the protest, framing it not merely as a contemporary event but as a continuation of an ancient custodianship.

Question 4

Who are the key figures involved in the 'Always Was, Always Will Be' story?

Accepted Answer

Robert Bropho is credited in the cast of 'Always Was, Always Will Be'. While the director is not specified, the film's core narrative revolves around the collective action of the Aboriginal People of Perth. Their unified protest to defend the Sacred Ground of the Waugul and ancestral beliefs is the driving force, underscoring a community's commitment to preserving their heritage against external pressures.

Question 5

What is the significance of the Swan Brewery in the film's narrative?

Accepted Answer

The old Swan Brewery on the Swan River in Perth serves as the focal point for the conflict depicted in 'Always Was, Always Will Be'. It is the location of the Sacred Ground of the Waugul, a site of profound spiritual importance to the Aboriginal People of Perth. The protest documented in the film is directly aimed at protecting this ancestral land from perceived threats, highlighting the clash between development and the preservation of cultural and spiritual heritage.

Question 6

What is the central conflict in 'Always Was, Always Will Be'?

Accepted Answer

The film centres on the Aboriginal People of Perth and their protest to safeguard ancestral beliefs. Specifically, it addresses the fight to protect the Sacred Ground of the Waugul, tied to the Ancestral First Grandmothers' and Grandfathers' beliefs, which is located at the site of the old Swan Brewery on the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. This grounds the narrative in a tangible struggle over cultural heritage and sacred land.

Always Was, Always Will Be