Coquitlam Public Library

When the snake bites the sun

Label
When the snake bites the sun
Language
eng
Characteristic
videorecording
Main title
When the snake bites the sun
Oclc number
900275298
resource.otherEventInformation
Originally produced by National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in 1986
Runtime
57
Series statement
Aspects of a Life CollectionWorking with Indigenous Australians
Summary
A compelling account of the return by a group of dispossessed Aboriginal people to their ancient tribal grounds in the Northern outreaches of this continent. This highly provocative cinema verité work shows the rebuilding of relationships through a shared pilgrimage to ancestral lands and a traditional Aboriginal ceremony, despite occasional failures of cross-cultural communication. It reflects a community in transition through the journey of a family, especially the sole remaining custodian of that spirit country Amy Peters, and also Shirley the daughter of Sam Woolagoodja. Shirley sixteen years previously had taken her baby daughter to be purified ceremonially in a traditional ritual in the film Lalai Dreamtime. This event on film created a unique bond between daughter, grand-daughter, grandfather and aunts right in the middle of their spirit country. The film shows our return with her tribal family to spirit country, the ancient tribal grounds in the Northern outreaches of this continent, and commemorates a ceremony that puts to rest the spirit of Sam Woolagoodja, one enormously important song-man of the Kimberley
Technique
live action
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