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Boodjara (Country, belonging to) follows a group of Noongar people on a powerful journey to revive their endangered language, reclaim ancestral placenames, and reconnect with stories and lore embedded in boodja (the land). Filmed over 18 months by Noongar filmmaker Hugh Sando, this intimate documentary is a story of cultural revival, truth-telling, and reconciliation – taking place against the backdrop of Australia’s failed 2023 Voice referendum. Boodjara is a moving testament to the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
Follow the extraordinary and heartwarming journey of a group of First Nations people as they embark on a quest to revive their endangered language, reclaim ancestral placenames, and bring back to life the stories, culture, and lore held in those sacred places. This is their story. Boodjara.
Boodjara means Country, belonging to. It’s such a powerful word for the Noongar people (the First Nations people of Western Australia’s South West region) that a derivative, boodjari, is used to describe pregnancy. Mother Earth. Connection to Country. Ancient lore. Culture and customs. All these are embedded in Boodjara.
For 18 months, renowned Noongar filmmaker Hugh Sando documented the journey of a group of First Nations people from Perth as they reclaimed traditional placenames and revived the culture and lore embedded in those landscapes. Filmed on the traditional lands of the Noongar people, Boodjara (Country, belonging to) tells the story of Place Names Melville, a Noongar-led arts project grounded in truth-telling, healing and deep engagement with Noongar kaartdijin bidi (knowledge trail). Directed by Hugh Sando, Boodjara’s intimate interviews with Noongar Elders and community members are a poignant reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing process.
Though Boodjara is a story of cultural reconciliation and revival, it takes place against the divisive backdrop of Australia’s 2023 referendum to decide whether a permanent advisory body should be established to give advice to the government about issues that affect First Nations people. The failure of that referendum highlights the urgent necessity of the work that Boodjara documents. In a world that feels increasingly polarized, Boodjara provides hope through gentle truth-telling, extending the hand of reconciliation.
Place Names Melville is produced by Community Arts Network (CAN) in partnership with the City of Melville, the Noongar community and Moodjar.
Hugh Sando is a proud Whadjuk Noongar creative whose work is rooted in a deep connection to Country and an intrinsic passion for storytelling. Beginning his career in photography, Hugh developed a distinctive visual style grounded in light, texture, and intentionality. This approach naturally extended into cinematography and directing. Now an emerging director and established cinematographer, Hugh is driven by the desire to craft both visually beautiful images and meaningful stories that inspire emotional and cultural connection.
Boodjara (Country, belonging to) follows a group of Noongar people on a powerful journey to revive their endangered language, reclaim ancestral placenames, and reconnect with stories and lore embedded in boodja (the land). Filmed over 18 months by Noongar filmmaker Hugh Sando, this intimate documentary is a story of cultural revival, truth-telling, and reconciliation – taking place against the backdrop of Australia’s failed 2023 Voice referendum. Boodjara is a moving testament to the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
Follow the extraordinary and heartwarming journey of a group of First Nations people as they embark on a quest to revive their endangered language, reclaim ancestral placenames, and bring back to life the stories, culture, and lore held in those sacred places. This is their story. Boodjara.
Boodjara means Country, belonging to. It’s such a powerful word for the Noongar people (the First Nations people of Western Australia’s South West region) that a derivative, boodjari, is used to describe pregnancy. Mother Earth. Connection to Country. Ancient lore. Culture and customs. All these are embedded in Boodjara.
For 18 months, renowned Noongar filmmaker Hugh Sando documented the journey of a group of First Nations people from Perth as they reclaimed traditional placenames and revived the culture and lore embedded in those landscapes. Filmed on the traditional lands of the Noongar people, Boodjara (Country, belonging to) tells the story of Place Names Melville, a Noongar-led arts project grounded in truth-telling, healing and deep engagement with Noongar kaartdijin bidi (knowledge trail). Directed by Hugh Sando, Boodjara’s intimate interviews with Noongar Elders and community members are a poignant reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing process.
Though Boodjara is a story of cultural reconciliation and revival, it takes place against the divisive backdrop of Australia’s 2023 referendum to decide whether a permanent advisory body should be established to give advice to the government about issues that affect First Nations people. The failure of that referendum highlights the urgent necessity of the work that Boodjara documents. In a world that feels increasingly polarized, Boodjara provides hope through gentle truth-telling, extending the hand of reconciliation.
Place Names Melville is produced by Community Arts Network (CAN) in partnership with the City of Melville, the Noongar community and Moodjar.
Hugh Sando is a proud Whadjuk Noongar creative whose work is rooted in a deep connection to Country and an intrinsic passion for storytelling. Beginning his career in photography, Hugh developed a distinctive visual style grounded in light, texture, and intentionality. This approach naturally extended into cinematography and directing. Now an emerging director and established cinematographer, Hugh is driven by the desire to craft both visually beautiful images and meaningful stories that inspire emotional and cultural connection.
