Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes and the council’s Reconciliation Action Plan co-chair Lucy Deemal say the film festival is about more than entertainment. Photo: Supplied.
From a sporting documentary to untold tales of slavery and an uplifting family favourite, Cooktown will come together to watch the stories of First Nations people on the big screen in celebration of National Reconciliation Week.
Running from 26-31 May, Cook Shire Council will present a three-night film festival featuring a curated selection of Indigenous films – each a compelling exploration of truth, identity, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Mayor Robyn Holmes said this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Now More Than Ever, was a reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue with strength and unity.
“Hosting a film screening during National Reconciliation Week is about more than entertainment,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity to reflect, to learn, and to come together around stories that help shape our understanding of one another and the Australia we want to build together.”
This year’s line-up will begin on 26 May with Araatika! Rise Up, which follows NRL legend Dean Widders and his campaign to incorporate First Nations culture into pre-game rituals.
On 29 May, a powerful documentary sharing the untold stories of five Aboriginal women who endured government-sanctioned servitude will shed light on the policies that shaped generations of trauma, before a showing of crowd-favourite movie, The Sapphires, showcases the beauty of music with humour, soul and spirit on 31 May.
All screenings are free, but bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
For more information and to book your spot, visit the council website.
