In response to the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s second landing in Australia, ten Indigenous filmmakers created eight powerful short films, stories of hope that span a 1,000 years in the past to a millennium in the future.
In 1772, James Cook made his second voyage to Australia, bringing with him lifetimes of colonization and misery. Ten Indigenous Australian and Maori filmmakers respond with these powerful short films, beautifully woven together, that examine resistance–in the past, in the present, and in the future. “We Are Still Here is a powerful step forward for Indigenous narrative sovereignty.” –Pat Mullen, That Shelf
Director Biography
Chantelle Burgoyne is a New Zealand-born filmmaker of mixed European and Samoan descent who directed the short films “Sanctuary” (2011) and “Tatau” (2012).
Beck Cole is an Australian filmmaker of the Warramungu and Luritja nations whose numerous short films have appeared in festivals around the world. Here I Am (2011) is her debut feature.
Dena Curtis is a filmmaker with over twenty years experience in television and cinema. A League of Her Own (2022) is her debut documentary feature.
Richard Curtis is a cinematographer and filmmaker who has directed the short films “The Fires of Occupation” (2013) and “Ara Marumaru” (2018).
Mario Gaoa is a New Zealand filmmaker who is also a member of the Naked Samoans comedy group and is a celebrated television actor.
Danielle ??MacLean is of the Luritja and Warumungu peoples of the Northern Territory of Australia whose short films include “Queen of Hearts” (2004), “Mparntwe Sacred Sites” (2004), and “Blown Away” (2014).
Born in Savaii, Western Samoa, Miki Magasiva has directed the award-winning short films “Rites of Courage” (2005) and “Brother” (2006).
Renae Maihi is Maori of the Ngapuhi and Te Arawa tribes as well as NZ European, and is the director of the acclaimed feature, Waru (2017).
Tracey Rigney is a Wotjobaluk and Ngarrindjeri woman from Victoria who is the director of the short films “Endangered” (2005), “Abalone” (2012), and “Man Real” (2015).
Tim Worrall is a Maori screenwriter, director and graphic designer based in Rotorua who has directed numerous short films.