baban darrang (mother tree)

baban darrang is a short film celebrating the journey of Wurundjeri-willam, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung woman Mandy Nicholson, as she explores the ways we embody, grow, nurture and transmit knowledge and culture over time, and how we do this both on an individual and community level through honouring our Ancestors.

baban darrang reflects on Mandy's journey of seeking out and connecting with knowledge throughout her life. In striving to revive culture and language, Mandy has evolved to become a powerful knowledge-holder, standing tall and grounded in the strength she has gained through connecting with Country and Ancestors. Mandy shares this knowledge with her clan — with women and young ones — to nurture them on their journey to ground themselves, to grow tall and stay connected with Country, with culture, and to nurture one another.

“Djirri Djirri means Willy Wagtail in Woiwurrung, our Mother Tongue. The Willy Wagtail is the Spirit's Messenger and gave us dance.”

— Mandy Nicholson