Ceremony: The Djunnguwan of Northeast Arnhemland
I’d read about this release on a number of forums, so needless to say, I was excited about viewing this film record of Djunnguwan.
Through song, dance, art and ritual, the Yolngu people of northeast Arnhem Land pass on their sacred knowledge. The Djungguwan is one of their most important ceremonies. Now, at the request of Yolngu leaders, this two-DVD set brings together three rare films of the Djungguwan from 1966, 1976 and 2002 - including, for the first time, secret and sacred scenes - plus an introductory film and five mini-documentaries. It explores the role of ceremony in Indigenous Australia and provides an extraordinary cultural record for future generations. (Courtesy of Film Australia)
After having viewed this extensive DVD set, there are some issues raised by the film record of 2002 that I’m not entirely comfortable with- namely, the subversive claim that most Yolngu are just fat alcoholics that no longer care about their culture or ceremonial ritual. It’s a little distressing to view, because I’m not entirely sure that the film makers fully appreciated the fallout that may come in the greater Australian and world dominant culture after viewing these scenes, as misconceptions and misunderstanding are allowed to breed unchecked. On the other hand, there is an element of genuine emotion and poignancy during sections where Yolngu men directly address the camera, speaking to future generations of Yolngu, pleading with them to remember their culture and Madayin law.
