Karrabing Film Collective selecteert: The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith

As the indigenous population of Australia, Karrabing Film Collective fight against racism, pollution of the environment, inequality and other devastating consequences of colonialism – which they nevertheless are able to present in a playful way. Their work can be seen in the exhibition Meriem Bennani, Kahlil Joseph, Karrabing Film Collective: Eye Art & Film Prize.

The collective has chosen a film they really want people to see: The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (Fred Schepisi, 1978), a classic that deals with topics that are still of acute relevance to Karrabing Film Collective. Lead actor Tom E. Lewis (1958-2018) is related to several members of the collective.

The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith

Fred Schepisi's internationally lauded masterpiece, based on the novel by Thomas Keneally, is the shocking story of a young man driven to madness and revenge. Jimmie Blacksmith is a young Aboriginal growing up around the turn of the century. He is caught between two cultures: initiated into his tribe, he was also brought up by a strict Methodist preacher (Jack Thompson).

In search of respect within white Australian society, Jimmie takes a white bride while performing backbreaking work at local farms. He’s unable to escape the colour of his skin, however, and constantly suffers racism and oppression. Following a series of serious setbacks, Jimmie loses himself in a fit of rage and takes violent revenge on the society that has let him down. Together with his brother Mort, he flees into the bush. In 1901, the year Australian democracy is born, Jimmie Blacksmith finally recognises his fate, and that of his people.

Two Karrabing films will be shown ahead of the screening, introduced by a conversation between Elizabeth Povinelli, one of the founders of Karrabing Film Collective, and curator Vivian Ziherl. Tickets for this programme can be purchased separately.