Told through the eyes of charismatic 10-year-old Arrernte/Garrwa boy Dujuan and his family, the film charts the challenges Dujuan faces both in his school and on the streets of Alice Springs.
In his community Dujuan is recognised as a child-healer and a hunter. He speaks three languages, yet despite his depth of wisdom and intelligence, Dujuan is failing in school and facing increasing scrutiny from welfare and the police. As he travels perilously close to incarceration, his family fight to give him a strong Arrente education alongside his western education. We walk with him as he grapples with these pressures, shares his truths and somewhere in-between finds space to dream, imagine and hope for his future.
In My Blood It Runs reveals the complexities First Nations communities face negotiating colonisation whilst maintaining their cultural identities and practices through self-determination, the revitalisation of languages and connection to Country. It is a deeply moving insight into a side of Australia rarely depicted on screen.
Directed by Maya Newell. Produced by Sophie Hyde, Rachel Naninaaq Edwardson, Larissa Behrendt, Maya Newell. Collaborating Directors: Dujuan Hoosan, Carol Turner, Megan Hoosman, James Mawson, Margaret Anderson, Jimmy Mawson. Associate Producer, Lisa Sherrard and Alex Kelly. Executive Producer/Senior Traditional Owner of Alice Springs, Felicity Hayes. Advisors, Margaret Kemarre Turner, Mrs Abbott Perrule, William Tilmouth, Ameila Turner and Jane Vadiveloo with partner organisations Children’s Ground and Akeyuelrre Healing Centre Production company, Closer Productions. In My Blood It Runs was developed and funded via GoodPitch Australia through Documentary Australia Foundation, and received principal production investment and development funding from Screen Australia. Financed with support from the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, Screen Territory and South Australian Film Corporation
