• Documental •
Summaries
Putuparri and the Rainmakers is a universal story about the sacred relationship between people and place. Over ten transformative years the film follows Tom “Putuparri” Lawford as he navigates the deep chasm between his Western upbringing and his growing determination to fight for his family’s homeland in Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. A return to his grandparents’ country sparks a cultural awakening: Putuparri learns that Dreamtime myths are not mere stories but living memories tied to a country called Kurtal and to a snake spirit central to elaborate rainmaking rites. Caught between the spiritual world of his people’s traditions and the pressures of modern life — including struggles with alcoholism and domestic violence — he gradually accepts his role as a leader and the responsibility to pass on law and culture to the next generation. Set against a decades-long battle to reclaim native title, the film is an emotional, visually breathtaking testament to love, hope and the survival of Aboriginal law and culture.
—Nicole Ma
Director: Nicole Ma
Produced By: Nicole Ma, John Moore
Year: 2015
Classification: M
Runtime: 97 min
Produced In: Australia
Language: English
Availability: Vimeo on Demand
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Notable reviews
- “A stunning story of Aboriginal culture, life and law. … The complexities of Putuparri’s life … are honestly and poignantly portrayed.” — Sandy Toussaint, The Conversation
- “PUTUPARRI AND THE RAINMAKERS is an astonishing ten-year labour of love by filmmaker Nicole Ma, documenting the fragile line by which endangered Indigenous cultures are passed from one generation to the next. … The poignancy of the film is profound…” — Andrew Pike
Awards & festival screenings
- WINNER — Film Prize, Cinéfest Oz, 2015
- In Competition — Asia Pacific Screen Awards, 2015
- World Premiere — Melbourne International Film Festival
- North America Premiere — Hot Docs, Canada, 2016
