In a land far away,
but very close to home…

Co-creative story-making with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

Funded by the Australian Government, ‘Planet MITS’ Is an animated short film made with the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. and Australian Chamber Orchestra, through Swinburne’s Marngo Designing Futures . Innovative in its co-design process, this ongoing collaboration engages with proven methods to facilitate a culturally safe co-creation space for learning and telling stories resulting in unique films in both visual aesthetic and design, with narration in the 24 student’s own Indigenous languages.

Building on the success of the 2018 co-production, the partnership expanded to include - Wurundjeri Council, Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr who provided on-Country expertise, narration and translation in Woi Wurrung and esteemed Ngiyampaa, Yuin, Bandjalang and Gumbangirr musician Eric Avery who worked with the students on the development of the musical score. The film tells the story of four Indigenous superheroes who travel far and wide to share their messages of culture, care, courage and respect with an emphasis on the role caring for Country plays in the lives of all Australians.

Stop motion animation was chosen as the digital storytelling medium because of its tactile, inclusive and hands-on nature. Stop-motion facilitates experimental design and image-making processes and often serendipitously unplanned for visual outcomes driven by the student’s own interests and capabilities, which in turn builds pride and self-esteem. In 2019, ABC TV and ABC iView have acquired free to air and online screening rights. The sharing and public presentation of the animated film in turn provides a platform to showcase the talents and aspirations of these emergent creatives and community leaders, building pride, self-esteem and resilience.