Screening: Ablaze + Q&A Tiriki Onus and Alec Morgan

Tiriki Onus and Alec Morgan, Australia, 2021, PG (Themes of racial discrimination), 81 min, Courtesy: Maslow Entertainment/Umbrella

 

When filmmaker Alec Morgan came across a black-and-white silent film reel at Australia’s National Film and Sound Archive, he had reason to believe it was made by William ‘Bill’ Onus, the revered, trailblazing activist whose work changed the course of history in Australia. After getting in touch with Bill’s grandson, opera singer Tiriki Onus, the two embarked on a years-long journey to uncover the story behind the film reel. 

“Ablaze is one of the most essential documentaries about Australian culture in recent years. An absolute must see.” – The Curb

From just ten minutes of silent film, Tiriki uncovers decades of history about his grandfather, and what life was like for Aboriginal people in the 1940s and throughout the 20th century.   

Following a caravan fire in the 1960s, Bill Onus’ entire catalogue of films were thought forever lost. With Ablaze, Tiriki Onus presents a necessary reappraisal of Australia’s history, and cements his grandfather’s status as one of this country’s most important filmmakers.  

An exhibit on Bill Onus’ influence on Australian cinema is on display in ACMI’s permanent exhibition, the Story of the Moving Image.

Curated by ACMI Film Programs ACMI First Nations Curator Louana Sainsbury will host a complimentary in-gallery talk on Bill Onus at the Story of the Moving Image (SOMI) exhibition at 2pm before the screening. Please meet at the SOMI entrance. All welcome, no ticket required for the guided tour.

Curated by ACMI Film Programs

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Image Credit: With permission from The Onus family.