Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground

Watch Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground

  • 2014
  • 58 min
  • 7.7  (15)

Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground is a documentary film that delves into the Australian penal system and the segregation of Indigenous Australian inmates within its walls. The movie is directed by Kelrick Martin and features Scott Chisholm as the film's main subject. The movie starts by introducing us to Chisholm, a former prison guard, who began his career in 1979 at the Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. During his time there, Chisholm witnessed firsthand the treatment of Indigenous Australian prisoners and the conditions under which they were kept. He describes his experiences as "sometimes unbearable" and says that it was not until much later in his career that he began to speak out against the discrimination he witnessed.

We are then shown historical photographs of Fremantle Prison, which was originally built in the mid-19th century, and learn that it was used to house both British convicts and Indigenous Australians who were convicted of crimes against the colonial government. This practice continued well into the 20th century, even after Australia gained independence from Britain.

The film then moves on to interviews with various Indigenous Australian men who have spent time in Fremantle Prison. They describe the experience as dehumanizing and traumatic, stating that they were often subjected to racist abuse and physical violence by other inmates and prison guards. One man describes being placed in a cell with a mentally ill inmate who repeatedly attacked him, leaving him with severe injuries.

The film also explores the concept of 'white privilege' within the prison system, highlighting the fact that white inmates are usually given more favorable treatment than their Indigenous counterparts. For example, white inmates are more likely to be granted parole and are often housed in better conditions within the prison.

The documentary also examines the impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians and the systemic racism that has resulted from it. Chisholm notes that many Indigenous Australians who end up in prison have experienced trauma throughout their lives, including being forcibly removed from their families and communities as children and being subjected to racism and discrimination within Australian society.

Throughout the film, we are shown footage of protests and demonstrations calling for an end to Indigenous incarceration rates in Australia. These events are led by Indigenous Australians who are fighting for more equitable treatment within the justice system and for greater recognition of their cultural and historical heritage.

Overall, Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the ongoing struggle of Indigenous Australians for justice and equality in their own country. The film is a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, who continue to fight against the systemic racism that has affected their lives for generations.

Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.

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Where to Watch Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground
Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Wadjemup: Black Prison White Playground for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2014
  • Runtime
    58 min
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (15)