Cinema
Short Changed
George Ogilvie · 1986
Synopsis
Stuart Wilkins, a young Aboriginal man, is arrested during a land rights demonstration; his wife, Alison, who is white, leaves him, taking their son, Tommy. Years later (six, or seven according to Australian Screen), Stuart wants to find the child again. Tommy lives with his mother and his grandfather in a well-off neighbourhood, in Sydney according to Australian Screen, and does not know his father exists. The grandfather refuses to let Stuart see him, and Stuart takes the matter to court.
Context
The screenplay is by Bob Merritt, an Aboriginal playwright who had begun it in 1981 and at first wanted to direct it himself; in 1984 he had founded the Eora Centre in Redfern, devoted to the artistic training of Aboriginal people, where the director taught. Financed in part by the New South Wales state film corporation, for 1.2 million dollars, the film was shot over seven weeks from April 1985; technical problems delayed its release until 13 November 1986, and it earned only 14,000 dollars. David Stratton judged it excellent and praised its understanding and fairness.
Who it is for
A film in English from Australia, written by an Aboriginal playwright, about a custody dispute brought before the judges.
Prizes and reception
Several nominations at the AFI Awards in 1986, without a win; a box-office failure despite good reviews.