When Marlanie Haerewa was putting together her short film, she was determined to honour her heritage and one man’s legacy in particular.
The Nyikina woman’s documentary, The Tale of Mr Kimberley, came about after she and co-creator Jake Blackburn went searching through the archives at the State Library of WA.
That was when the name Sam Lovell stood out to them.
Called Mr Kimberley by some, though to his mates he is simply Sammy, he was part of the stolen generation, became a master stockman and came to be known as the godfather of tourism in the Kimberley.
“Reaching out to Uncle Sammy wasn’t tricky, as he lived down the road from my family. We saw a unique chance for him to narrate his life story, in his own words, enabling us to voyage through his remarkable memories,” Fremantle-based Ms Haerewa said.
“The project was as much about honouring his legacy as it was about capturing the essence of the Kimberley through his eyes.
“Crafting this documentary was an extraordinary privilege, allowing us to piece together a narrative that was as educational as it was inspiring.”
The Tale of Mr Kimberley, produced by Ms Haerewa with cinematography, editing and directing by Mr Blackburn, has been shortlisted in Australia’s richest short film contest, the Best Australian Short Film competition.
She said she had always been captivated by the power of authentic storytelling.
“There’s something beautiful about listening to our elders share tales from their lives or sharing laughs with family over shared memories,” Ms Haerewa said.
“By capturing these narratives through the lens, we not only honour our past but also ensure that future generations can learn from and connect with these voices long after they’re gone.
“To me, filmmaking isn’t just an art form; it’s a means of holding onto the essence of our humanity and keeping it alive for eternity.”
Throughout filming, many moments filled Ms Haerewa with pride, but one moment in particular stands out – when she witnessed Sam and his wife Rosita’s “joy and delight upon viewing the film for the first time”.
Winning the competition, which is run by PerthNow alongside major sponsor SAE Creative Media Instiute, would enable Ms Haerewa and her team to expand the project into a more comprehensive exploration of Sam’s life.
“Capturing the extraordinary life of such a remarkable man within a mere five minutes presented a significant challenge for us. There are numerous captivating stories that we captured on film, and the additional funds would allow us to delve deeper into the rich narrative of Sam’s experiences and life,” she said.
The winners of the Best Australian Short Film competition will be announced at a live-streamed awards night on February 29.
To watch The Tale of Mr Kimberley and all the short-listed films, visit PerthNow at www.perthnow.com.au/basf to Watch, Vote, Win, for your chance to win $1000.