The film, The Drovers Wife, reimagines Leah Purcell’s acclaimed play and Henry Lawson’s classic short story. This historical tale is more than a straightforward Australian western thriller that asks, ‘How far will a mother go to protect her kids?’ Purcell ingeniously raises the topic of undiagnosed PTSD as a result of abuse when it was not even an identifiable mental health condition.
Proud Goa, Gunggari, Wakka Wakka Murri woman and self proclaimed truth teller, Leah Purcell, adapts her powerful version of The Drover’s Wife (and later novel) to the screen.
A sharply feminist film The Drovers Wife considers the Indigenous perspectives of pioneer life. In doing so Leah Purcell not only brings to life a relic from another time but pays homage to ancestors that she is proud of. By bringing her personal history and identity as a Black woman to bear on this work, Purcell has enriched the story.
Drawing inspiration for the characters from her ancestors, Purcell was able to keep her family’s story alive.
“This film is based on family members. Yadaka is based on my great grandfather and some of his journey. Molly is a reflection of my mother and Aunties.
“It’s an opportunity to give a voice to my mother and my grandmother who were silenced.
“I’m giving back to them and letting them know that their story still lives in me,” she said.
NITV ’Be Blak and be proud’ : Leah Purcell on why her film is an important watch ahead of January 26
“I could have done the straight Henry Lawson version but then it wouldn’t be my story,” Purcell says. “I’m in that position where I can [tell that story] through my First Nations lens.
“I wanted to put my lens on it and be that truth teller, and shock with a little bit of shock value and go ‘this is our past, you can’t ignore it, let’s acknowledge it, let’s look at it, let’s dissect it and pave the future a better way’.” Source: Leah Purcell on the Narrative Universe of Her Story
The Drovers Wife packs a punch but buckle up, it is simply a precursor to more truth telling. Is That You Ruthie? puts a spotlight on the devastating impact of separating girls from family and country.
Make sure to check out Purcell’s potent work!
Waltzing With Matilda's 