Desert HeartDesert Heart

From 1958 to 1968 the Great Sandy Desert experienced one of the worst droughts in recorded history. For the pre contact desert tribes like the Yulparija, Walmajarri and Martu the land had become unliveable. In 1968 the Yuparija abandoned the desert as a matter of survival and arrived at the coastal community of Bidyadanga (La Grange) 200km south of Broome. They have lived there for the past 40 years. In 1999, sixteen year old Daniel Walbidi, son of Yulparija elder Merridoo Walbidi, began painting his father's country. Inspired by Daniel's recreation of their desert homeland, the old people also began to paint. Now the elders wish to return to the desert and show Daniel the country he has never seen. The journey will evoke moving and painful memories. They will sing, paint and perform ceremonies at the ancient places that only they know, but most importantly they'll pass on their stories and knowledge to Daniel and keep their country alive. Directors - David Batty/Jen McMahon Writer/camera - David Batty Producer - Jen McMahon Editor - Bergan O'Brien