Thousands Use National Reconciliation Week 2008
To Build On National Apology
National Reconciliation Week 2008 (27 May to 3 June) will see thousands of Australians gather in workplaces, schools, community and church halls, government agencies and sporting grounds to view a special behind-the scenes documentary about this year's Parliamentary apology to the stolen generations.
Produced for Reconciliation Australia by Indigenous Film Services (IFS), The Apology will remind Australians of their shared pride on 13 February 2008, and reinforce the feeling of hope and determination for reconciliation.
Reconciliation Australia Director Shelley Reys says IFS was first commissioned to capture footage of the days leading up to the apology and the event itself for archival purposes. "Once we saw what they'd captured, the breadth of human emotion and the responses of Australians everywhere, we knew it had to be made into a film," said Ms Reys.
The Apology, directed by Sarah Spillane, has been produced in time for National Reconciliation Week to build the current momentum of support for better, more respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The film is narrated by Jack Thompson and features music from Reconciliation Australia's friends, Powderfinger, Silverchair, Missy Higgins, John Butler and the Stiff Gins.
"Rather than asking a TV network to broadcast the film, we spread the word through all the many organisations that supported the apology itself, asking people to host special screenings," said Ms Reys. "The response has been overwhelming. There are almost 500 screenings taking place during the week, and QANTAS is showing the documentary in-flight.
"One of the best outcomes of the national apology was the way people all over Australia took part in the event and took pride in it. We looked at ourselves in the mirror that day and we liked what we saw. I think that's why so many people are so enthusiastic about this documentary."
Reconciliation Australia received support to produce and distribute. The Apology from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
To check for screenings in your State/Territory or to offer to host a screening go to reconciliation.org.au
Stills and a five-minute trailer for The Apology are available for media to download from reconciliation.org.au\apologydownload
Media contact: Claire Tedeschi on 02 6273 9200 or 0418 633 277
SOURCE: Reconciliation Australia