Ten Canoes

Bruno Starr writes about Rolf de Heer’s movie ‘Ten Canoes’, which was released in 2006. I am yet to see this film, and honestly had not heard a whole lot about it until I read Starr’s analysis and commentary in his article “The authentic Aboriginal voice in Rolf de Heer’s Ten Canoes”. This article analyses the films use of sound and language in order to retell traditional stories and create particular meaning. However, its reasoning behind particular production choices are also of upmost importance.

Source: thecia.com.au – The Cinematic Intelligence Agency, 2010

Starr explains that the movie portrays Indigenous Australians as empowered and in control of their language, their culture and their lives, as opposed to conforming to the frequent media representations of Aboriginals as passive victims of colonial aggression, disrespect and maltreatment. The article explains that Ten Canoes provides an “amplified voice for the unheard and marginalized” and it is a step in the right direction to see filmmakers tackle this often misunderstood, highly misrepresented and sometimes totally disregarded issue that exists in Australian culture.

Unfortunately, due to the unusual and misconstrued content of the film, it did not really receive the audience that it deserved. In contemporary western culture, we have become so fixated upon films and entertainment of a certain style. For many of us, this involves a range of mass produced content that is imported from the US. This leaves little interest in cinematic content that inspires a thought provoking response, and a critical look at the Australian society and its true culture. People simply disregard content that may challenge their opinions, or go against a mass produced representation within the media.

A film like Ten Canoes seeks to break down the barrier between indigenous Australians and white Australians. It is an important tool in promoting and educating on the reality and culture of indigenous Australians.

The sooner we realize our need to stop and listen to the reality of this important issue, the sooner we will be able to live cohesively, and enjoy the traditions, culture and lifestyle of our fellow Australians. 

Starrs D.B. 2007. The Authentic Aboriginal Voice in Rolf de Heer's "Ten Canoes". Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture 7(3)