occupation studies: ngayanhurra bayarral Birrarung

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

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews