NSW Courage to Care to screen documentary film After the Apology during National Reconciliation Week

May 22, 2018 by Community newsdesk
Read on for article

The film highlights the continuing practice of welfare agencies removing Aboriginal children from their families at much higher rates than occurred during the stolen generation.

Photo: Paddy Gibson

“After the Apology” looks at what has happened in Australia since PM Kevin Rudd apologised to the stolen generations on February 13, 2008 in Federal Parliament. The film tells the story of four grandmothers who come together to battle a practice they thought was over. Together they form a movement fighting to convince the government that ‘sorry’ means the injustice must stop.  ‘Courage to Care’ is presenting a one off screening of the important and powerful documentary.The strong, hopeful and resilient spirits of these women shine through the films narrative. Their fight highlights the work that Courage to Care honours – people standing up against injustice they see around them and speaking their truth.

Aunty Hazel Collins started GMAR – Grandmothers Against Removals – as a response to the rising rates of child removal and along the way she has been joined by families across Australia in the battle to bring the kids home. GMAR is working to ensure that extended families are the first choice for Aboriginal children in out of home care.

After this screening there will be a Q&A session with the film’s producer Michaela Perske, and one of the mothers featured in the film, whose children were removed. The discussion will be moderated by leading human rights lawyer, George Newhouse.

After the Apology headlined as the opening night film at the Human Rights Arts & Film Festival in Melbourne earlier this month.

It is directed by acclaimed academic Prof Larissa Behrendt.

Behrendt is Professor of Indigenous Research and Director of Research at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, UTS. She has been involved in several pro bono test cases involving adverse treatment of Aboriginal peoples in the criminal justice system. She has also held judicial positions on the Administrative Decisions Tribunal and as a Land Commissioner on the Land and Environment Court.

This documentary will shock but will also introduce its audience to amazing people fighting for social justice.

Chair of Courage to Care NSW Juliet Seifert said:“In this documentary seeing the mothers & fathers describe their journeys of having their children removed really hits you. And the stories of the panel who have experienced or witnessed the traumas of this are sure to be moving. Courage to Care encourages bystanders to take a stand and that is what the grandmothers and other members of GMAR show us is possible in contemporary Australia.”

National Reconciliation Week. Runs 27 May – 3 June and the film will be screened on Sunday June 3 at 6.30pm at Hoyts, Entertainment Quarter

Buy tickets, $25, and watch the films trailer at: tickets.demand.film/event/4307

Speak Your Mind

Comments received without a full name will not be considered
Email addresses are NEVER published! All comments are moderated. J-Wire will publish considered comments by people who provide a real name and email address. Comments that are abusive, rude, defamatory or which contain offensive language will not be published

Got something to say about this?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.