The young Indigenous filmmakers broadcasting their stories to the world

In one of the most remote communities in Australia, young filmmakers are sharing their stories and the world is watching.

If you want to know how to look for 'maku', the students of Indulkana Anangu School are here to help.

"We look for maku trees," they explain.

"Then we use a shovel and a crowbar to dig."

Maku, also known as witchetty grubs, taste like chicken, egg or goanna, depending on who you ask.

Indulkana is in Anangu country, and eating maku is part of Anangu culture.
The students of Leo Jordan's senior class at Indulkana Anangu School documented the process for their YouTube channel.

Their videos capture snippets of life in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands, in central Australia.

It's a closed Indigenous community, open to few visitors. There's also no mobile phone reception and few homes have access to the internet.

Leo says the short clips have captured the attention of viewers in many far off places.

"We have had a look at the YouTube hits, where the videos have been played, and there's places over in Europe that the kids have never heard of," he says.

For most of the students, English is a third language, with  Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara most commonly spoken at home.

Leo says the process of scripting, presenting and editing clips about their community helps them practice speaking English.

"It [has] alleviated some of the stressors involved for the children speaking publicly," he says.

Indulkana Anangu School Principal Marie Wright says there's another important purpose: it shows those watching the videos the strength of Anangu culture.

"It's a message that people can see this culture is still living and developing, and is so rich," she says.

"And that our children are leading within culture."

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2 min read

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By Rhiannon Elston


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