Bran Nue Dae: Anniversary of the Australian Cinema Release

Date: 14 January 2010

The film release anniversary

Bran Nue Dae opened in Australian cinemas on 14 January 2010. This entry marks that national cinema release, rather than the first performance of the stage musical or an earlier festival screening.

The National Film and Sound Archive records the Australian release date and places the film in the history of Jimmy Chi’s musical. Distinguishing the film from the stage production avoids assigning a 2010 origin to a work that had already made an important contribution to Aboriginal theatre.

From Broome to the screen

The screen story grew from the musical created by Jimmy Chi and his collaborators, including the band Kuckles. First staged in 1990, the musical brought Aboriginal experiences, humour, music and family relationships to audiences through a story strongly connected with Broome and Western Australia.

Rachel Perkins directed the film adaptation. Its use of comedy and song offers an engaging pathway into questions of identity, belonging, church authority and the experiences of young Aboriginal people, while allowing the characters warmth, agency and complexity.

Why include an arts anniversary

A calendar of First Nations history should make room for joy, imagination and popular culture alongside rights campaigns and remembrance. Bran Nue Dae is valuable because Aboriginal storytelling is the substance of the work, rather than simply a topic added to someone else’s story.

For schools and workplaces, compare a short authorised film extract with information about the original stage production. Consider what changes when a story moves from theatre to cinema, and whose creative work needs acknowledgement. Screenings should use appropriate permissions and age guidance. This anniversary does not mean a new production or public screening takes place on the same date each year; it is an opportunity to revisit the work and its legacy.

Sources and further reading

• Bran Nue Dae: The Roebuck Bay Hotel — National Film and Sound Archive
• Bran Nue Dae documentary and stage background — Australian Screen / NFSA
• Bran Nue Dae production press kit — MIFF Industry

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this date. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.