Bringing back the Good Fire with Gerry Turpin | Authentic

Explore the life and work of Gerry Turpin, an Mbarbaram traditional owner and ethnobotanist, as he shares insights into Indigenous Australian culture and history, land management, and connection to country.

Through cinematic music and engaging storytelling, Gerry introduces the concept of "ethnobotany," focusing on how Indigenous people have long used plants for practical, medicinal, and cultural purposes.

He introduces "Bringing Back the Good Fire," a project which reconnects young people with the land, learning traditional practices such as cultural burning and plant knowledge.

The film highlights the environmental and cultural damage caused by colonialism, mining, and the introduction of foreign species, as well as the ongoing effort to restore balance through indigenous knowledge and practices.

Highlighting the importance of language, culture, and connection to land, the documentary serves as a reminder of the need to preserve Indigenous ways of life for future generations.

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The filmmakers would like to acknowledge the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and the Yirrganydji People on whose land this was filmed. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging as Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land.

FEATURING

Gerry Turpin and Maria Turpin

CREW

Writer/Director/Producer/Editor – Josaphine Seale

DOP/Producer – Glenn Saggers

MUSIC

‘Never Let Go’ – Tyler Brown-Williams

‘Original Song’ – Gerry Turpin

‘Sémø’ – Home Journey

‘Reed Pittman’ – Wait On Me

SPECIAL THANKS

Streams in the Desert, State Library of Queensland, Rita Turpin, Cheryl Turpin, Valmai Turpin and Davie Turpin

The Authentic initiative is part of Screen Queensland’s North Queensland Regional Program delivered by Screenworks in association with the ABC. Applicant information will be shared with Screen Queensland to assist with the delivery of future projects.

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