FESTIVAL PREMIERE
Boodjara
Director: Hugh Sando
Boodjara (Country, belonging to) follows a group of Noongar people (Aboriginal people of South Western Australia) on a powerful journey to revive their endangered language, reclaim ancestral placenames, and reconnect with stories and lore embedded in the Boodja (Country).
Filmed over 18 months by Noongar filmmaker Hugh Sando, this intimate documentary is a story of cultural revival, truth-telling, and reconciliation – set against the backdrop of Australia’s failed 2023 Voice referendum.
Boodjara is a moving testament to the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of Noongar culture.
CAST & CREDITS
Director
Hugh Sando
Producer
Michelle White
DIRECTORS BIO
Hugh Sando is a proud Whadjuk Noongar creative whose work is
rooted in a deep connection to Country and an intrinsic passion for
storytelling. Beginning his career in photography, Hugh developed a distinctive visual style grounded in light, texture and intentionality.
This approach naturally extended into cinematography and directing. Now an emerging director and established cinematographer, Hugh is driven by the desire to craft both visually beautiful images and meaningful stories that inspire emotional and cultural connection.
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
When I was invited to direct Boodjara, I felt both humbled and deeply honoured. As a proud Whadjuk Noongar man, the opportunity to document this incredible journey was deeply personal. The film follows our Elders and knowledge holders as they revive an endangered language, reclaim ancestral placenames, and bring to life the stories, culture and lore held in those sacred places.
My vision for the documentary was to create an intimate, honest portrayal of the Elders and knowledge holders’ journey. Grounded in truth-telling and cultural reclamation Boodjara invites the audience to deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture and explore their own relationship with Country.
It encourages viewers to recognise the beauty, strength and significance of First Nations knowledge and to share in the responsibility of caring for the land we all call home. More than anything, this film offers a platform for our Elders and knowledge holders to share their truth, language and history. It showcases the importance of projects like this as meaningful and significant steps toward reconciliation.
Being welcomed into the room to document these often sensitive, complex and beautiful conversations was a privilege. This project has been transformative for me, both culturally and creatively. As my first project in the role of director, it has expanded my understanding of storytelling and redefined my creative approach. It has deepened my connection to culture and taught me the immense responsibility and power in telling our stories with care, courage and truth.
Boodjara is not just a documentary. It’s a conversation, an invitation and a catalyst for change. I hope all who watch are inspired to reflect on their own relationship with this beautiful country and the significance of the connection First Nations peoples have with this land.
