A new documentary shares the journey of Yolŋu mothers, grandmothers, leaders and health workers to bring birthing back on Country shines a bright, powerful light on First Nations maternity care and self-determination.
MAYPILAMA: Keel Line of Creation is an upcoming documentary following Yolŋu Elder and Professor Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama’s mission to return Birthing on Country through the Galiwin’ku Djakamirr Program.
Captured over three years in Galiwin’ku and across the mainland of Yolŋu Country in north-east Arnhem Land, the film follows Professor Maypilama as she navigates ancestral laws, colonial resistance and legal complexities to bring focus to sovereignty, women’s power and cultural survival.
The film is a follow-on from the team’s award-winning documentary DJÄKAMIRR, which invited audiences to experience Yolŋu women’s culture and hear their aspirations for maternity services.
Professor Maypilama, who is a Senior Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Molly Wardaguga Research Institute for First Nations Birth Rights, said the film would bring greater understanding to Birthing on Country.
“It is important for midwives, doctors and nurses who are working across two ways to learn from the film,” Professor Maypilama said.
“[It’s] good for us (Yolŋu) to know about learning in a Balanda world. We all have to make a commitment to ourselves to put others first.”
In the film, Professor Maypilama is joined by Associate Professor of Innovation and Impact Sarah Ireland, also from the Molly Wardaguga Research Institute, who is part of the research team and a co-writer and producer of the documentary.
“Birthing on Country is internationally recognised as a model that improves health outcomes, but for Yolŋu people it is about much more than healthcare,” Associate Professor Ireland said.
“It is about restoring dignity, cultural continuity and the right of families to welcome children into the world surrounded by their language, culture and kinship systems.
“At a time when conversations about Closing the Gap often focus on deficits, this project shines a light on First Nations innovation, leadership and solutions. It demonstrates what becomes possible when communities are trusted to lead.”
MAYPILAMA was filmed by Belgium filmmaker Pat Josse, and all three joined forces to develop this powerful follow-on from DJÄKAMIRR.
Professor Maypilama and Associate Professor Ireland both said they were excited to bring this crucial knowledge and insight to the world.
“It [documentary] gives me energy to keep working and moving forward,” Professor Maypilama said.
“[We’re] focusing on new ways and new pathways to give them [kids] strength for the future.”
Associate Professor Ireland added: “I hope viewers come away with a deeper understanding that birth is not simply a medical event-it is a cultural, social and spiritual experience that shapes families and communities.”
“Most importantly, I want viewers to recognise that Birthing on Country is not about returning to the past. It is about creating a future where the world’s oldest living cultures and contemporary healthcare can work together to give every child the strongest possible start in life.”
Tickets are available for the Northern Territory premiere of Maypilama: Keel Line of Creation at the Deckchair Cinema on June 25.
Tickets are also available for the national premiere at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on July 11.
