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The Mermaids, or Aiden in Wonderland

Forum Expanded 2019
© Karrabing Film Collective
In the not so distant future, Europeans will no longer be able to survive for long periods outdoors in a land and seascape poisoned by capitalism, but Indigenous people seem able to. A young Indigenous man, Aiden, taken away when he was just a baby to be a part of a medical experiment to “save the white ‘race’”, is released into the world of his family. As he travels with his father and brother across the landscape he confronts two possible futures and pasts.
The Mermaids, or Aiden in Wonderland is a powerful intervention in contemporary debates about the future present of climate change, extractive capitalism, and industrial toxicity from the point of view of Indigenous worlds.

with Aiden Sing, Trevor Bianamu, Gavin Bianamu, Kieran Sing, Sandra Yarrowin Australia 2018 Aboriginal English, English 27’ Colour

With

  • Aiden Sing (Aiden)
  • Trevor Bianamu (Trevor)
  • Gavin Bianamu (Gavin)
  • Kieran Sing (Kieran)
  • Sandra Yarrowin (Mermaid)

Crew

Written and Directed by Karrabing Film Collective
Editing Elizabeth A. Povinelli
Sound Design Thomas Bartlett
Producer Karrabing Film Collective

Produced by

Karrabing Indigneous Corporation

Photos

Karrabing Film Collective

The Karrabing Film Collective (est. 2008) is an award-winning group of some thirty filmmakers and artists who use their aesthetic practices as a means of self-organization and social analysis. Most Karrabing are Indigenous and live in a rural community in northwestern Australia. In the Emiyengal Indigenous language Karrabing means ‘tide out’. It refers to a time of coming together, as well as to the coastline that connects the Karrabing Film Collective as an extended family group across social lines. Their films and installations have been shown in biennials, film festivals, and exhibitions worldwide.

Filmography

2012 Karrabing, Low Tide Turning; 14 min. 2014 When the Dogs Talked; 34 min. 2015 Windjarrameru: The Stealing C*nts; 36 min. 2016 Wutharr, Saltwater Dreams; 29 min., Forum Expanded 2017 2017 SeenUnseen Trilogy; video installation, 4 min. · Night Time Go; 31 min. · The Jealous One; 29 min. 2018 They Ben Jealous; video installatoin, 19 min. · Mermaids, Mirror Worlds; 35 min. · The Mermaids, or Aiden in Wonderland

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2019