Kanyini (film)
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| Kanyini | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Melanie Hogan |
| Written by | Martin Lee Bob Randall |
| Produced by | Lynda House Melanie Hogan Bob Randall |
| Starring | Bob Randall |
| Narrated by | Bob Randall |
| Cinematography | Denson Baker Martin Lee |
| Music by | David Page Sam Petty Manta |
| Distributed by | Hopscotch Films |
|
Release date
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Running time
| 53 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $52,450[1] |
Kanyini is a 2006 Australian documentary film, created by Uncle Bob Randall. Randall's dream was to create a film that supported his Kanyini teachings and he approached Melanie Hogan to produce it with him. Hogan directed, filmed and edited the film with the help of Martin Lee whose filming of Randall's interview made the core thread of the story.
The film explores the Kanyini philosophy and the life of Bob Randall, a Yankunytjatjara elder, songman and storyteller who lived in Mutitjulu, a small Aboriginal community next to Uluru, in Central Australia. Bob Randall was a 'Tjilpi' (special teaching uncle) of the Yankunytjatjara people and a member of the Stolen Generations.[2]
Overview
In Kanyini, Randall shares his knowledge of Anangu wisdom, stories of his personal journey and he explores some of the reasons behind the struggles of Aboriginal Australians in modern Australia. Randall explains that when European Australians came to Australia, they broke the four Kanyini Principles that were an integral part of Anangu life.
Randall states that:
- Tjuukurpa was broken when Europeans imposed their law on the Anangu,
- Ngura was broken when Aboriginal people were forced to move away from their traditional lands,
- Walytja was broken when the children of Randall's generation were removed from their family as part of the Stolen Generations
- Kurunpa was broken when Aboriginal spirituality was replaced with Christianity.
In explaining the loss of his Kurunpa, Randall notes the disconnect between the teachings of the Bible and the actions of the white men who professed them.[3][4]
Kanyini Principles
Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word meaning interconnectedness; caring, support, nurturing, and responsibility.[4]
The four principles of Kanyini are:
Ngura
A sense of belonging to home and land.
Walytja
Family connecting with life.
Kurunpa
Love, spirit or soul.
Tjuukurpa
The belief about creation and the right way to live.[4][5]
Awards
| Ceremony | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Channel Awards | Best Documentary Independent Film | Won[6] |
| National Film and Sound Archive Awards | Independent Spirit Independent Film | Won[6] |
See also
References
- ^ "Australian Films at the Box Office" (PDF). Film Victoria. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 February 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ^ "Tjilpi Bob Randall". Kanyini.org. 6 June 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ^ "Kanyini (2006)". IMDb. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ^ a b c "Kanyini: Connections". Aboriginal Art & Culture: an American eye. 19 July 2008. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ^ "The Kanyini Principles". Kanyini.org. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
- ^ a b "Kanyini | Documentary Australia Foundation". www.documentaryaustralia.com.au. Archived from the original on 4 May 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2026.
External links
- Melanie Hogan Official Site
- Official Site
- The Yarnup program
- ABC At the Movies review
- ninemsn Sunday review
- Sydney Film Festival Interview with Melanie Hogan
- Kanyini at IMDb