Ep 9. In My Blood It Runs

In this powerful episode of POV, we follow the story of 10-year-old Dujuan, an Aboriginal boy growing up in Alice Springs in central Australia. In My Blood It Runs takes us on a journey of discovery as we learn about the challenges that Dujuan faces as an Indigenous child in a country where racism is still prevalent and the education system is failing to support students like him.

Dujuan is a bright and articulate young boy who is passionate about his heritage and his culture. He speaks three languages, including his traditional language of Arrernte, and he is deeply connected to his land and his people. However, like many Indigenous children in Australia, Dujuan is struggling to find his place in a society that often does not acknowledge or respect his identity.

As we follow Dujuan's daily life, we see the stark contrast between the world of his Aboriginal family and the predominantly white world of his school. His family, who live on the fringes of Alice Springs, offer a supportive and nurturing environment where Dujuan is free to express himself and explore his culture. His school, on the other hand, is a place of frustration and disconnection, where he is constantly reprimanded for behaviors that are simply a part of his cultural identity.

Dujuan's story is not unique, but it is a powerful reminder of the ongoing impact of colonization and the need for greater recognition and support of Indigenous culture and language. Through interviews with Dujuan's family and members of the Aboriginal community, as well as experts in education and youth justice, we gain a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that are facing Indigenous communities today.

While In My Blood It Runs is a sobering reminder of the challenges that Dujuan and other Indigenous children are facing in Australia, it is also a story of resilience, hope, and the power of community. Dujuan's family and community members are shown to be strong and passionate advocates for their culture and their children, and the film highlights the importance of listening to and learning from Indigenous voices.

Ultimately, In My Blood It Runs is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the experience of Indigenous children in Australia. By sharing Dujuan's story, the film invites us to reflect on our own attitudes and assumptions, and to consider how we can better support and empower Indigenous communities around the world.