The Australian Dream

I saw The Australian Dream last night and it was one of the most powerful cinematic experiences I have ever had. I applaud Adam Goodes and Stan Grant for lives led with such grace, resilience and leadership. This movie is not just about footy, the AFL, Adam and Grant but more importantly about who we all are as Australians. Don't miss it!

I am not a great fan of documentaries so I did not expect much from the film. However I was profoundly affected by the story. There is no doubt that Adam Goodes has been abominably treated not only by ordinary supporters but by reputable commentators who should have known better. Goode's demise leaves a dark stain on Australia's reputation as an enlightened and inclusive society.

Powerful, gutsy, honest, brutal, uncompromising, completely distressing and utterly brilliant. Stan Grant wrote an incredible script. The edit blew me away - so detailed, so many cuts, seamless and fully emotive. I personally am more 'Australian' because of this film. Please go see this film - take friends with you - a story that is not going to go away.

Pair this with John Pilger's Utopia, make all Australians watch both, and as a nation we'll be convinced to change the date of Australia Day. No one wants to take away a holiday- let's just do it on a nicer day, that doesn't resurface any group's historical trauma; any other day, really.

Australia is more segregated than America from what I can tell, and for sure the world has been focusing on America and the injustices against African-Americans. But can say as a white Australian, we don't see them in movies, tv, or even in day to day life much at all. Less representation than is offered to African-Americans from what I can tell, and they're still arguably underrepresented at that.

Hopefully a well-made documentary like this can sway people. I know my attitudes towards race and Indigenous issues have changed in the past decade or so- it can happen. I don't doubt this documentary is one-sided, but the point is that we need to consider Adam Goodes' (and other Indigenous Australian) perspective more often.

It's eye-opening and if shown to enough Australians, could influence genuine, positive change.

All Aussies should watch this movie. Beautifully produced and filmed. It's hard to watch at times. But if you don't learn something important, you're not listening.