KAKADU COLLECTIVE - 'MAYALI ft. VICTOR ROSTRON'

Desert Pea Media is very proud to present a new collaboration with the community of Jabiru, NT. A mining and services town in the centre of dual-world heritage listed Kakadu National Park. The community of Jabiru is also considered 'the gateway to Arnhem Land'.

This production was created in September of 2020 - an outcome of a unique, collaborative creative process between Desert Pea Media, Red Lily Health (a local Indigenous-led Health Service) and an incredibly talented group of students at the Jabiru Area School, who represent several clan groups of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Also involved were local community members, elders, artists, and community organisations.

The overall purpose of the broader project was to facilitate an important, inter-generational conversation about social and emotional well-being for Original Nations young people. Focusing on cultural identity, health and positive choices.

Desert Pea Media projects involve a dialogue-based storytelling process that encourages participants to analyze '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.

We as a team feel deeply honoured and grateful to learn, share and create with the Jabiru community. These projects not only uplift and inspire audiences and community members, but everybody involved.

'Mayali' is the Gundjeihmi/Kunwinjku word for 'cultural knowledge' and is used by several language groups in the region. The song was co-directed/written by and features Victor Rostron of Wildfire Munwurrk Band..

Hailing from the extremely remote Stone Country of Central Arnhem Land, Victor speaks and sings in the critically endangered aboriginal languages of Dalabon, Kune and Rembarrnga. A highly respected senior culture man, singer, songwriter, artist and prolific musician, Victor reaches across cultures and holds keys to knowledge that bridges the gap across ancient and contemporary Australia.

An insightful lyricist, passionate collaborator and truly astounding vocalist, he is a creative force and one of Australia’s most important voices. We are deeply honoured to call Victor a friend and collaborator, and his contribution, and his family's contribution were a huge part of the project outcomes.

The project was produced by DPM in-house Music Producer - Josh Nicholas. We thank you brother for your artistic vision and awesome work. Featuring guitar samples from local musician and guitarist from Black Rock Band - Graham Rostron.

Thanks to Patricia Miller and the staff at Red Lily Health. Also to Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and Jabiru Area School.

Special thanks to the TO's of Jabiru - The Mirrar People, and all of the Clan Groups of Kakadu that welcomed us and shared their country for the creation of this production. We are humbled and grateful for your trust and support.

CREDITS

Toby Finlayson - Project Director/Co-Writer/Co-Producer/Co-Facilitator Victor Rostron - Co-Director/Co-Writer/ Performer/Cultural Advisor Robert Sherwood - DOP/Cinematographer/Editor/Grading/Graphics Natalie Carey - Production Coordinator/Co-Writer/ Co-Facilitator/Co-Producer/Photographer Josh Nicholas - Music Producer/Co-Writer/Co-Facilitator - David Nicholas - Audio Mixing Darren Ziesing - Audio Mastering Belle Arnold - Project Manager Renae Saxby - Social Media Manager Carlo Santone - Release Campaign Manager. Patricia Miller - Co-Producer/Community Project Coordinator

STARRING

VICTOR ROSTRON, GRAHAM ROSTRON, CYRUS ROSTRON, SIMIKA ROSTRON, TYSON TAMBLING, ASHANTI ROTUMAH, JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM, CATHERINE RALPH, ELIZABETH SOFELE, KIA GOWLER, PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, TEKIYSHA NARDJI, PATSY RAICLAR, VICKI WOOD, ABEL NABORIHBORLH, HELEN WOOD, ASHLYN MURRIMAL, LEO ROSTRON, JULIE BLAWGUR, NITA MIARGU, LINDA BIYALWANGA, SERINA BADWANNA, HENDRIKA CARLOW