CROCODILE DREAMING

A stone holding the stories and songs of the ancestors has been stolen from its proper location and subsequently causes the death of two children. It must be found and brought back to restore the right order. The local Aboriginal mob cannot carry out this task alone and calls for Burrimmilla (David Gulpilil).

CROCODILE DREAMING is a modern day supernatural myth about two estranged brothers, played by iconic Indigenous actors DAVID  GULPILIL and TOM  E. LEWIS. Separated at birth, they have different fathers. One is readily accepted as a fully-fledged member of the tribe and is looked on to fulfill the duties of jungaiy, an important ceremonial role which obliges him to be caretaker for his mother's dreaming, the crocodile totem. The other, whose father was white, is younger and has had to struggle to fit into the tribe who see him only as a yella fella.

This riveting drama marks the remarkable debut fiction film of writer-director Darlene Johnson, after a distinguished career in documentaries such as RIVER OF NO RETURN, STOLEN GENERATIONS and GULPILIL: ONE RED BLOOD [all 3 films available from Ronin Films].

"Crocodile Dreaming is my mother's dreaming. It's not Crocodile Dundee, it's not Ten Canoes ... It's my true story." - David Gulpilil.

• FINALIST! Best Short Fiction, 2007 ATOM Awards.

Written and Directed by Darlene Johnson
Produced by Sue Milliken
Director of Photography – Kim Batterham, ACS
Production Manager – Julie Sims
Film Editor – Bill Russo, ASE
Production Designer – Tim Ferrier
Sound Design – James Currie, Tom Heuzenroeder
Composer – Felicity Fox

With David Gulpilil (Burrimilla), Tom E. Lewis (Charlie), Richard Birrinbirren (George), Mary Dhapalany (Judy), Frances Djulibing (Mother – Crocodile Spirit), Jamie Gulpilil (Peter)

Developed and produced in association with the Indigenous Branch of the Australian Film Commission.
Produced in association with SBS Independent.
Produced in association with the 2007 Adelaide Film Festival
Produced in association with the New South Wales Film and Television Office

© Darlene Johnson and Samson Productions Pty Ltd

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