Kindred (Australian Films, Documentaries)
Director: Adrian Russell Wills, Gillian Moody
Producer: Gillian Moody, Tom Zubrycki
Cinematographer: Justine Kerrigan, Kathryn Milliss, Meg White, Simon Morris
Composer: Caitlin Yeo, Damien Lane
An autobiographical story about the complexities of being an Aboriginal child raised in a white world, Kindred is also a celebration of friendship, unconditional love and resilience.
Writer/director Adrian Russell Wills, a Wonnarua man, and producer Gillian Moody, a Wodi Wodi woman, have been best friends for more than two decades. When they first met, these kindred spirits felt a connection that they’ve described as “cosmic”: “like two unicorns finding each other”. Part of their unshakable bond has been similar life experiences – both were adopted into white families in Sydney’s northern suburbs – and, later in life, a desire to reconnect with their bloodlines.
This intimate film is a continuation of Wills and Moody’s ongoing conversations, documenting their emotional searches for belonging and how their abiding friendship has offered solace in turbulent times. With a shared aim to platform marginalised Indigenous voices, this director–producer duo first teamed up on the short films Angel and Daniel’s 21st as well as on the feature documentary Black Divaz. Now turning the camera on themselves in their first collaboration as co-directors, Kindred is likewise a tribute to Indigenous strength, courage and sovereignty.
“A journey into the emotional landscape of family, love and loss.” – ABC
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Directors Adrian Russell Wills and Gillian Moody will both be in attendance for the screening on Thursday 17 August, while Wills will attend the screening on Saturday 19 August.