Wilcannia Barkindji Soldiers - 'Heartbeat'

Added by Desert Pea Media

Description Desert Pea Media is very proud to announce our new collaboration with the Barkindji community in Wilcannia, in the heart of Western NSW on the Darling River. This production brought together Elders, community members and young people to create a conversation about country, culture and community.

This project was funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and NSW Health. Project managed by Wilcannia Aboriginal Lands Council and staff at Wilcannia Central School & NSW Health.

This initiative is part of an ongoing partnership between EPA and DPM to create awareness and conversation around caring for country. The project runs alongside community-focused waste management projects in Original Nations communities all over NSW.

‘Heartbeat' was created in December 2018, the result of a five-day Desert Pea Media storytelling workshop. Co-written by, and starring, an incredibly talented group of young people, community members and local Elders from the local community - with support from the DPM team and Wilcannia High School Staff.

Desert Pea Media projects involve a dialogue-based storytelling process that encourages participants to analyse 'the real', 'the ideal' and 'the bridge'. In simple terms this means critically thinking about how to create positive change for yourself, for each other and for our communities.

'Heartbeat' is an anthem for country - from the people of the river, the Barkindji Nation (Baaka means 'river' in Barkindji). This epic, haunting production fuses trap/ hip hop/ synth vibes to communicate a powerful call to action to protect country.

The DPM team feels deeply honored to learn, share, create and build friendships and connection with the Barkindji community in Wilcannia. These projects not only uplift and inspire audiences and community members, but everybody involved. These are friendships and experiences that are deeply valued and respected.

This project featured the musical direction and production of acclaimed music producer Carlo Santone (Blue King Brown/Nattali Rize). We thank you brother for your artistic vision and awesome work.

Thanks to Project Manager, Jennifer Thwaites from Wilcannia LALC, Julie Ann Edmonds from Wilcannia Secondary School, and Jess Spencer from NSW Health. Also to Tash and Danyelle from the EPA.

CREDITS - Toby Finlayson - Director / Writer / DOP / Drone Pilot Josh Nicholas - Audio Engineer/ Drone Pilot / Facilitator Carlo Santone - Music Producer Grace Newell - Production Coordinator/ Photographer Jared Melrose - Co-Writer/ Co-Director /Facilitator Daniel Glossop - Sound Engineer/ Facilitator/ Camera 2 David Nicholas - Audio Mixing Darren Ziesing - Audio Mastering Mitch O'Hearn - Editor/ Grading/ Graphics Rachel Rowe - Producer / Business Manager Danyelle Carter & Tash Morton (EPA) Exec Producers.