Watch Namatjira Project

The movie Namatjira Project from 2017 is a riveting documentary that tells the story of renowned Australian Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira and his legacy. The film explores Namatjira's life and art, including his distinctive watercolor paintings of the Australian outback, and the impact his work had on the cultural landscape of Australia.

The movie focuses heavily on the struggle of Namatjira and his family as Indigenous people in a country undergoing rapid change. Namatjira's art gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, earning him international fame and recognition. However, the government's assimilation policies during this time meant that Namatjira was unable to fully enjoy the fruits of his success, as he was not allowed to own property or vote.

The documentary centers on the plight of Namatjira's descendants, who are still fighting for control of the artist's work and their rights as Indigenous Australians. The Namatjira Project follows the passionate efforts of the Namatjira family to regain copyright of Albert's paintings.

The film is framed by Namatjira's grandsons, who take a road trip across the Australian outback to try and rediscover the places that inspired their grandfathers' works. Along the way, they delve further into his life and institutional racism that led to the family's current situation.

The Namatjira Project features interviews with Namatjira's surviving family members, including his eldest son Enos, as well as art experts and activists. These interviews help to paint a picture of the cultural significance of Namatjira's work and the struggles he faced as an Indigenous artist.

Trevor Jamieson, a contemporary Indigenous actor and artist, plays a key role in the film's narrative, highlighting the intersections of art and activism. Jamieson acts as the link between the Namatjira family and the wider Australian public, helping to bring attention to their cause.

The movie also features the work of contemporary Aboriginal artists who have been inspired by Namatjira's legacy. These artists share their own stories of negotiating the complexities of Australia's colonial history and their efforts to gain recognition and respect.

Overall, the Namatjira Project is a moving and insightful documentary that shines a light on the life and work of an important Australian artist. The film highlights the ongoing struggles of Indigenous Australians to assert their cultural and artistic identity in a country that has long marginalized their voices. Through the lens of Namatjira's legacy, the documentary offers a powerful critique of the social and political structures that continue to limit the rights and opportunities of Indigenous people today.

Namatjira Project is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.