Documentary screening: Ablaze

Join us for a special screening of Ablaze, acclaimed documentary by University of Melbourne Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Dr Tiriki Onus

Join us for a special screening of Ablaze, the acclaimed documentary by University of Melbourne Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Dr Tiriki Onus. The film tells the true story of the first Aboriginal filmmaker, William 'Bill' Onus.
A live Q&A will follow, offering rare insight into the film’s creation and impact.

Ablaze tells the story of Bill Onus, a Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri man from Victoria, a truly heroic cultural and political figure who revived his people’s culture in the 1940s and ignited a civil rights movement that would, against enormous odds, change the course of history.

Through rare archival footage, state-of-the-art animation, vividly created digital motion graphics and eye-witness accounts, Ablaze is the compelling tale – part detective story, part contemporary opera – of how Bill and supporters brilliantly orchestrated their campaign for equality through performance, entertainment, film and sheer audacity outsmarted mighty forces seeking to destroy Indigenous cultures, languages, and communities. (2022)

Accredited – Umbrella Entertainment

A feature documentary about opera singer Tiriki Onus who finds a 70-year-old silent film believed to be made by his grandfather, Aboriginal leader and filmmaker Bill Onus. As Tiriki travels across the continent and pieces together clues to the film’s origins, he discovers more about Bill, his fight for Aboriginal rights and the price he paid for speaking out. (2022)

Accredited - The Screen Guide

Registration is essential for this event so please present your ticket on arrival.