Territoire / Un territoire de films / Ten Canoes
"One hundred and fifty spears, ten canoes, three wives...trouble."
Filmed around the remote Arafura Swamp in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land, Ten Canoes gives viewers an entertaining, humorous and moving insight into both the present day and traditional lives of the Yolngu Aboriginal people.
The story, narrated by David Gulpilpil and directed by Rolf de Heer, is the first to be made entirely in an Aboriginal language.
It is set both before the coming of white people to Australia and also in the time of Yolngu’s ancestral creation period.
It is a unique telling of a common story centred on love, lust and revenge.
Viewers who fall in love with this enchanting film will also fall in love with its setting – Arnhem Land.
Owned by its traditional Aboriginal owners, it is a place rich in culture with Yolngu maintaining strong ties with their land, religion and traditions.
Territory highlights
» Go along to one of the cultural festivals set in communities in Kakadu and Arnhem Land
» Join a cultural tour to gain an insight into the various cultures from the region
» Visit the art and cultural centres to meet the local Aboriginal artists and purchase art direct
Fast Facts
Released: June 2006
Filmed: Arafura Swamp, Arnhem Land
Directors:
Rolf de Heer & Peter Djigirr
