Five Western Australian filmmaking teams have been selected to create films featuring stories from the State Library of Western Australia’s collection.
Topics to be covered in WA Reflections Season Two include:
- Mr. Kimberley – Sam Lovell;
- a night at Connections;
- Russian spies in regional WA;
- the auditory adventures of legendary twitcher John Hutchinson; and
- the search for cultural identity through the game of Mahjong.
WA Reflections is a partnership between the State Library and Screenwest. It works to uncover and share the amazing State Library collection, while providing opportunities and capacity building for early to mid-career WA film makers.
The first series can be viewed at https://slwa.wa.gov.au/stories/wa-history/wa-reflections-2021.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The State Library of Western Australia’s collection is a treasure collected and preserved safely for all Western Australians. It is fantastic that more of this collection is going to be shared through this innovative project.
“As the Minster for the Arts I love this collaboration between the State Library and Screenwest. It services the dual purpose of sharing our State’s stories and supporting our creative community.
“I encourage you all to check out the first series of films produced, which can be found on the State Library website.”
Details of filmmakers and films
Mr. Kimberley
A legend of the region, he is known as Mr. Kimberley, but his mates call him Sam. This film delves into the fascinating life of 89-year-old Kimberley musician Sam Lovell and how his life has shaped his music.
Collection Materials: Sam Lovell Collection of Slides
Key Creatives:
- Producer: Marlanie Haerewa
- Director: Jake Blackburn
In the Dark
From sunset to sunrise: a reminiscent night at Connections.
Collection Materials: Connections Poster Collection
Key Creatives:
- Producer: Elsie Shaw
- Director: Matt Sav
- Writer: Pat Hogan
Russian Spy
As fear of war dominates the news cycle, Russian-Australian cinematographer Dasha Melnik travels to Albany to learn about the time that a tiny 19th Century town at the edge of the world prepared for a Russian attack.
Collection Materials: Russian Spies in Albany
Key Creatives:
- Co-Producer/Director: Jennifer Piper
- Co-Producer: Dasha Melnik
Sound Twitcher
The rediscovered legacy of auditory adventurer, John Hutchinson.
Collection Materials: John Hutchinson Recordings of Birdsong
Key Creatives:
- Producer/Director: Olivia Davies
- Director of Photography: Darren McCagh
- Editor: Noah Norton
- Sound: Wendi Graham
The Rules of Mahjong
In search of cultural identity through a complex game of Mahjong.
Collection Materials: Chung Wah Association Records
Key Creatives:
- Producer: Cameron Davis
- Director: Melle Branson
