NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC Week kicks off today - a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

First Nations storytelling dates back more than 50,000 years, and their presence both in front of and behind the camera means their stories are now being shared with an even larger audience.

We've collected some of our favourite films from Indigenous filmmakers, with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander performers, or featuring First Nations stories. Take a look at our selection of reviews, and make sure you share your top picks on our Facebook or Twitter.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are warned that some of the following articles may contain images and names of people who have died.

THE NEW BOY

Warwick Thornton delivers another landmark Australian classic

An incandescent, beguiling and quietly devastating fable on how even the most well-meaning of intentions can be complicit in furthering the devastating effects of colonialism. Warwick Thornton weaves this shimmering film with great care and great humanity.

SWEET AS

Soon-to-be Australian classic

We need these films circulating in this country - standout, relatable yarns for teenagers that also outline the differences of Aboriginal youth experiences.

HIGH GROUND

Australia's cycle of violence

This film tells a story about how clashes of cultures can lead to violent ends. At its heart lies the tension of justice and racial struggles.

DARK WHISPERS VOL. 1

A spooky anthology from Australia's female horror directors

After flicking through every page and watching the eerie stories brought to life by 11 talented Australian female filmmakers, you'll quickly decide on your own favourites and be left wanting more.

EMU RUNNER

Another great win for Indigenous storytelling

With incredible cinematography, this film supports the creation and telling of Indigenous stories, by Indigenous people, with Indigenous actors.

IN MY BLOOD IT RUNS

An eye-opening tale of struggling Indigenous youth

The documentary excels in never sensationalising any aspect of Dujuan's story for dramatic effect; simply capturing Dujuan's daily life is enough to make blood boil and tears fall.

THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM

The conversation Australia needs to have

Watch this documentary and talk about it. We need to re-evaluate how we acted during this extremely recent period of our history, and forge a better way forward.

THE ART OF INCARCERATION

A portrait of culture and identity

The film presents the audience with some jaw-dropping statistics and goes on to complement them with the perspective of prisoners and former inmates.

THE FINAL QUARTER

Tackling a shameful chapter in AFL history

The booing of Adam Goodes started after he took a stand on racism. The events depicted in ‘The Final Quarter’ should be regretted deeply, both for his sake and ours.

THE NIGHTINGALE

A blunt and brutal period piece

This is not an easy film to watch and certainly not one to expect to come out of feeling terrific. But it will make you will feel something, which is a rare thing for a film to be able to do today.

TOP END WEDDING

Outback fantastic

It's modern, it's multicultural, it's finally an Australian film that is truly the Australia we live in today. Take your mum, your sister, your brother, your dog - this movie deserves huge success.

UNDERMINED: TALES FROM THE KIMBERLEY

Asks urgent questions that demand answers

What is the path to social justice for Aboriginal peoples? 'Undermined: Tales From the Kimberley' asks urgent questions and demands answers.

GURRUMUL

A celebration of music, culture and friendship

This film is both a fitting epitaph for a musical legend as well as a timely reminder that there is still far too great of a gap for Indigenous Australians in the area of health and life expectancy.

SWEET COUNTRY

A thunderous Australian masterpiece

Warwick Thornton has created a devastating, overwhelming masterpiece, the first truly great film of 2018. Moreso, 'Sweet Country' is easily one of the most important Australian films ever made.

GOLDSTONE

An impressive piece of Australian noir

It’s an incredibly impressive piece of Australian cinema, one that balances technical skill, important questions and edge-of-your seat entertainment.

CHARLIE'S COUNTRY

Searching for home

If the film’s goal is to provide insight into the struggle of Aboriginal people to hold onto their culture, while attempting to work within a system that doesn’t understand them, then it succeeds.

THE SAPPHIRES

Great story, great music but lacks guts

While a terrific and engaging story complete with a fantastic and energetic soundtrack, it’s O’Dowd’s presence that breathes life into each scene. It’s fun and silly with plenty of heart thrown in.