Winner of the ‘Change Award’ at Adelaide Film Festival (2022) and the ‘Human Rights’ Award at Montreal Independent Film Festival (2023), Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land will begin its theatrical release during Reconciliation Week and is heading to Adelaide’s iconic The Mercury Cinema on Sat 1st June with the filmmaker and special guests in attendance.

Ḻuku Ngärra is the extraordinary story of Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, an initiated clan leader within the Yolŋu Nation who has spent the most part of his 79 years of life as a civil rights activist, a spiritual leader, a cross cultural mediator and educator and one of few elders who has dedicated his life to upholding the traditional law of his people.  

‘A very fine film – and a rare one that took the trouble to examine and explain the spirituality of sovereignty’ – John Pilger

Filmed over 5 years in Northeast Arnhem Land and as a result of a 16 year friendship between Dr Gondarra and former Geelong resident Director Sinem Saban, Ḻuku Ngärra: The Law of the Land is a rare and intimate exploration of Yolŋu culture and how it has kept their people in balance with the environment and with each other for tens of thousands of years. But with the onset of colonisation and the enforcement of its ideologies and laws, the film presents how this foreign system that is so completely at odds with their own has created chaos to their lives, their spirituality and the environment. 

Through the first-hand experience living under a forced dominant paradigm and the pool of wisdom that comes from such an experience, Dr Gondarra pleads that we ask the big questions around what is law, what is freedom and who is really in control of our lives?

Unflinching in his delivery and integrity, yet soft in his humanity – Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra has a confronting and urgent message for Australians and the world as he illuminates the long-standing paradigm that controls us all. 

The film is a powerful showcase of Yolngu talent with a soundtrack featuring Yothu Yindi, Mau Power and Yirrmal, as well as rising actors / actresses such as Baykali Ganambarr (Winner of the 2018 Marcello Mastroianni Award for his role in The Nightingale) and Rarriwuy Hick (True Colours, Wentworth).

This event will be held during Reconciliation Week and is a great way for the  community to come together, learn and discuss the important themes that the film presents.

Limited edition merchandise available on the night.

Please note: This film is suitable for adults only.