
occupation studies: ngayanhurra bayarral Birrarung
2026
Movie Information
Overview
In this work, the artists assert the fatal link between genocide and ecocide, exposing the colonial logic of 'taming', inherent in European intervention. Video footage and field recordings of the Birrarung are layered with shredded snippets of a score composed in the 1800s, inspired by the river. By contrast, the soundscape features the voice of Jasper Cohen-Hunter, who recounts the Creation Story of the Birrarung as told by Beruk (William Barak, 1823-1903), the Ngurungaeta (leader) of the Wurundjeri-balluk.
Release Date
March 21, 2026
Director
Tahlia Palmer
Runtime
26 minutes
Cast
Jasper Cohen-Hunter
Production
Creative VictoriaKoorie Heritage Trust
Genres
Documentary