Wiradjuri language film wins a prestigious media award

The film ‘Yinyamarra Yambuwan’ which means ‘deep respect’ was shot completely in-language and on country. It won the Best Creative and Innovative Design category at this year’s New South Wales Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards.

Bernard Sullivan

Bernard Sullivan holding his 2016 NSW Permier's Multicultural Media Award Source: NITV News

or "Respecting Everything" is a creative collaboration between Charles Sturt University's Bernard Sullivan and Wiradjuri elders, including Uncle Stan Grant Senior. Uncle Stan, who has a doctorate from Charles Sturt University, is principally responsible for restoring and teaching Wiradjuri language in New South Wales.

The filmmaker, Bernard Sullivan, paid tribute to his Wiradjuri mentor and teacher.
New South Wales Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards
Award for Best Creative and Innovative Design Source: NITV News
Mr Sullivan told NITV: “When I was talking to Uncle Stan Grant about working on country… He said that originally when people came onto country they spoke the language of that country, and if you went on to their country, you’d speak their language. My family had been on Wiradjuri country for several generations, and as far as I know I’m the first person to learn how to speak Wiradjuri… I leant in the process of making the film.

“Yinyamarra is about showing respect, so the language is also an aspect of showing that respect.

“Mr Grant’s role in revitalising Wiradjuri language and culture is irreplaceable and unique,” he says.

“An like this is fantastic, because what it means for Wiradjuri people, for the Wiradjuri elders who were involved in this, what it means is that their culture is being shown respect, is being recognized by the mainstream, by the broader community and as that information about what Yinyamarra is get out to people, they’re going to recognize Wiradjuri people and show respect.”       


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2 min read
Published 22 July 2016 5:32pm
Updated 22 July 2016 5:40pm
By Claudianna Blanco


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