School of Film and TV - Theses

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Jackeroo: a question of identity

Wyld, Steven Howard ( 2009)

In the writing and research involved with the development of my script, Jackeroo, one question was constantly being asked of me: Does a non-indigenous person have the right to author an indigenous character? Indigenous representation by non-indigenous filmmakers has, of course, been done on many occasions. However, it is done under the threat of cultural and historical misrepresentation, potentially perpetuating myths and stereotypes held by the non-indigenous status quo. For the purpose of my exegesis, I have concentrated my research, and the question proposed, on my script Jackeroo and the comparisons drawn from selected Australian films. The underlying story of Jackeroo is based on experience: my experience. The story is semi-autobiographical and incorporates speculation within my own family that I may be part aboriginal. And so the story and associated research is personal: not just in terms of its basis being somewhat autobiographical, but also in challenging notions of Aboriginal identity versus self-identity and what that actually means.