This film challenges many of the stereotypes of Aboriginal life that we see portrayed both in movies and in the media. It also provides a much more nuanced view of the historical Aboriginal-European relationship than is frequently portrayed.
Basically its about the Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir, a choir gathered together from the remnants of what used to be a thriving choral tradition centred on the Lutheran churches of remote Central Australia. The choirs sang traditional German hymns which had been translated into the local languages by the Lutheran missionaries. This film shows the development of the Women's Choir (despite its name, it does have two male singers), its preparations for a tour of Germany, and then the tour itself where German audiences (largely in churches) were introduced to hymns, the music of which was very familiar to them, but with very unfamiliar Aboriginal words. They were taking the music home.
As the film progresses, we hear the stories of the Choir's members' lives, and also the story of the ensemble's musical director, Morris Stuart. We also hear some very good singing.
A film to enjoy that will make you smile and which will also challenge some of the things you may believe about Australia and its Aboriginal peoples.
