Experience a powerful day of storytelling, culture and community at the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, taking place on Thursday 7 May in Sussex Inlet.

This special event brings together film, culture and community through a series of screenings and cultural experiences that highlight First Nations voices and stories.

The day begins with a morning screening for local primary school students, followed by a cultural experience and lunch at the Ellmoos Centre.

This session is supported by local organisations and offers an opportunity for young people to engage with First Nations storytelling in an educational and meaningful way.

In the afternoon, the festival opens to the public with a Welcome to Country and cultural dance, followed by film screenings including a short documentary and Occupation Native.
Guests can then enjoy afternoon tea provided by local businesses at the Ellmoos Centre.

The evening program continues with live music at the Ellmoos Centre, creating a relaxed atmosphere before the final screening.

The evening includes a Welcome to Country, a welcome drink and cheese platter, followed by a screening of The Journey Home, celebrating the legacy of David Gulpilil.

This festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with First Nations culture through film, performance and shared community experiences.

With a mix of free and ticketed sessions, there is something for everyone to be part of throughout the day.

Event Details

1st SCREENING:

10am - 11:30am - Morning Screening
Screening of Like My Brother (1hr 30mins) for Stage 3 Sussex Inlet Primary School students only

11:30am -12pm - Gadhunghal Marring Cultural Experience

12pm - 12:45pm - Lunch provided by Sussex Inlet Neighbourhood Centre and the Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce at the Ellmoos Centre - Try some Traditional First Nations food

Cost - FREE subsidised by the Chamber of Commerce, The Drive and Sussex Neighbourhood Centre Youth Activites

2nd SCREENING:

1:30pm - 3pm - Afternoon Film Screening

1.30pm - Gadhunghal Marring Welcome To Country and Cultural Dance

2pm - Screening of two films:
• Documentary about the 2nd Annual SFNFF (4mins)
• Occupation Native (52mins)

3:15pm - 4:30pm - Afternoon Tea provided by Coastal Drip Coffee and Anchor Café in the Ellmoos Centre
Cost - $25 to cover entry to Cinema and film costs to Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, includes Afternoon Tea.

3rd SCREENING

4:30pm - 7:30pm - Early Evening Screening

4:30pm - Enjoy a laid back music session at the Ellmoos Cehtre with local musican Peter Hughes while enjoying a glass of wine or a beer before moving into the evening session at 5:30pm

5:30pm - Welcome to Country Elder Gerry Moore OAM - Welcome drink at Ellmoos Centre and Cheese Platter provided by the Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce

5:45pm - Head to Cinema for Screening of the Journey Home, David Gulpipil (1hr 28mins)

Cost - $25 to cover entry to Cinema and film costs to Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, includes welcome drink and cheese platter.