Directed by Alec Morgan & Tiriki Onus
Starring Tiriki Onus

Ablaze follows opera singer Tiriki Onus, on his journey to learn more about his grandfather, renowned boomerang thrower and civil rights activist William (Bill) Onus.

A legend in his own right, Bill Onus was now possibly the first Aboriginal filmmaker after the recent discovery of a mysterious short film made in 1946. This surprise finding was deemed so fascinating by filmmaker Alec Morgan, who recognised Bill in this short film. Morgan knew immediately that this was a piece of history that needed to be documented.

The film is a beautiful patchwork of original additional footage that speaks to Bill Onus’s political and artistic achievements; there are also lovely moments with grandson, Tiriki and his own connection with culture.

Ablaze tells a story. It spins a yarn. It raises the voices of a marginalised network of communities. Sharing stories humanises us, it is where connection lies. It is where we see ourselves in one another. In allowing space for the stories of (often) silenced people to be heard, films like this serve as a way of building connection. In creating avenues for the strength, achievement, and value to be seen and honoured – but also for the insurmountable struggles to be acknowledged. This film is facing history, rather than hiding from it.

Ablaze explores the talent, brilliance and resilience that exists in Aboriginal communities. It explores the resistance and the determination that led to the 1967 Referendum, and it raises important questions around how often these kinds of stories go untold. But most importantly, this film inserts Bill Onus back into Australian history, where he rightly belongs.

Ablaze is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from May 26th.

Moviedoc thanks Maslow Entertainment and Umbrella Entertainment for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Jemma for Moviedoc

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