Cinema
We of the Never Never
Igor Auzins · 1982
Synopsis
1902. Jeannie, an educated woman from Melbourne, marries Aeneas Gunn, the new manager of the Elsey cattle station, near Mataranka, in the Northern Territory. The stockmen doubt that a white woman belongs in the bush, and her husband shares their prejudices towards Aboriginal people. While the men muster the cattle, she befriends the station's Aboriginal workers, takes in a mixed-race child, Bett-Bett, and gradually wins the trust of the local people.
Context
The film adapts Jeannie Gunn's autobiographical narrative published in 1908. Shot on location, at Elsey and Mataranka, over thirteen weeks from April to June 1981, it fell behind schedule and the producer Greg Tepper replaced John B. Murray; transport costs raised the budget from 2.5 to 3.2 million dollars. Shown at Cannes, it was released on 28 October 1982 and earned 3,112,000 dollars in Australia, with a mixed reception. Angela Punch McGregor, who plays Jeannie, regretted that it was thought the film could be repaired in the editing.
Who it is for
A film in English from Australia, over two hours long, shot where the story is set, in the Far North.
Prizes and reception
AFI Award for cinematography for Gary Hansen; Angela Punch McGregor was nominated for her performance.
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