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
Credits
Storyteller: Mandy Nicholson, Djirri Djirri
Director: Genevieve Grieves
Producer: Andrea Distefano
Assistant Producer: Kimberley Benjamin
Director of Photography: Sky Davies
Editor: Josh Burns
Sound recordist: Hayley Bennett
Sound Designer: Jenn Leonforte
Stills photographer: Hollie Fifer
Gaffer: Caitlin Bryan
Djirri Djirri women's dance group, Wurundjeri performers: Mandy Nicholson, Stacie Piper, Mikayla George, Nanjera Pender, Djirra Pender, Fenna Piper, Lily Thomas-Burdich
Filmed on the traditional country of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation in Victoria.
Special thanks to Mandy Nicholson and the Djirri Djirri women's dance group, Zena Cumpston, Jax Plumley and the team at Science Gallery Melbourne, and the GARUWA team.
baban darrang (mother tree) was exhibited in Emu Sky, at the Old Quad at The University of Melbourne University, from Tuesday 15 February to Sunday 21 August 2022.
baban darrang screened in the Flickerfest Indigenous Spotlight Shorts on Survival Day, 2024. It was also included in Baggarrook-al Biik-u – She is of Country, at the Dulux Gallery, Melbourne School of Design from Wednesday 20 March to Tuesday 2 April 2024.