Rabbit-Proof Fence: An Aboriginal Family’s Story — Release Anniversary
Anniversary tracker
21 February 2002
An Aboriginal family’s story reaches cinema audiences
Rabbit-Proof Fence opened in Australian cinemas on 21 February 2002. This anniversary uses the Australian theatrical release date, rather than a premiere or an overseas opening.
Directed by Phillip Noyce with a screenplay by Christine Olsen, the film adapts Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Aboriginal author Doris Pilkington Garimara. Her account of her mother’s experiences is central to the film’s First Nations connection. The family’s story should remain visible whenever the film’s success is discussed.
Molly, Daisy and Gracie
The film follows three Aboriginal girls removed from their families in 1931 and taken to the Moore River Native Settlement in Western Australia. Molly and Daisy’s determination to return to Jigalong, with the rabbit-proof fence as a guide, places family and Country at the centre of the story.
Everlyn Sampi plays Molly, Tianna Sansbury plays Daisy and Laura Monaghan plays Gracie. Naming the performers acknowledges the young Aboriginal actors whose work carries the film. The wider cast includes Ningali Lawford, Deborah Mailman and David Gulpilil.
The NFSA identifies the film as an important introduction to the Stolen Generations for many viewers. It depicts the effects of government policies that separated Aboriginal children from their families. These histories concern real people and continuing family experiences; they are more than a dramatic setting.
Watching with care and context
The release anniversary recognises a film and the people behind it. It is also an opportunity to read Pilkington Garimara’s book and learn through Aboriginal accounts of removal, survival and return. Film, family testimony and archival records offer different kinds of evidence.
A dramatisation makes choices about dialogue, scenes and chronology. It should not replace the family’s written account or a broader understanding of the Stolen Generations. Comparing sources can help audiences distinguish a screen adaptation from a historical document.
For a group viewing, explain beforehand that the film portrays forced child removal and separation from family. Allow people to choose whether to watch or take part in discussion. Read the classification guidance and arrange an authorised screening.
A useful discussion can begin with the girls’ relationships, decisions and determination. Ask whose perspective a scene follows and how the film presents home and belonging. Keep respect for the people whose experiences underpin the story at the centre of the activity.
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