AN acclaimed documentary film, Liyarn Ngarn, that looks at the life and death of a murdered aboriginal youth, will make its Sutherland Shire premiere at a special screening at Sutherland Entertainment Centre next week.
Liyarn Ngarn, which means ``coming together of the spirit'' in the Yawuru language of the Kimberley region of Western Australia, features British actor Pete Postlethwaite, singer Archie Roach and Aboriginal leader Patrick Dodson. The dead youth, Louis St John Johnson, was the adopted son of an old friend of Postlethwaite's.
Roach's song, Looking For Butterboy, is about the murder and is featured on the film's soundtrack.
The movie begins in Perth, where Louis died, then takes audiences to his outback origins.
Postlethwaite told The Sun-Herald that making the film ``was a labour of love that taught me about love. It was an extraordinary experience that is still with me very strongly''.
A compelling tale of racism and a plea for a new future in black and white relations in Australia, the screening of Liyarn Ngarn is being organised by SSCNTaR the Sutherland Shire Citizens for Native Title and Reconciliation as part of the 2008 celebrations for National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee Week (July 4-11).
As well as Liyarn Ngarn, clips from other films will be shown, with a special presentation on local Aboriginal history and culture by anthropologist Les Bursill.
The screening and talk, followed by supper, will be in the Rainbow Room, Sutherland Entertainment Centre, at 6.30 pm, next Thursday, July10.
The screening is free, but organisers are asking for a gold coin donation.
Bookings: 82300783 or email mihop@hotmail.com