Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives are responsible for some of Australia's best cinema.
Actors like Deborah Mailman, Jamie Gulpilil and Mark Coles Smith not only bring their unique talents to the screen, but improve diversity in character roles and tropes - one that cannot be found in films abroad. So why are international film industries culling them from the movie's promotional material?
While Australian film posters will often put Indigenous actors at the forefront of the image, in many cases, their international counterparts are covering their faces, placing them in the background or removing them all together.
Samson & Delilah - AUS vs. US
As well as photoshopping the rugged scenery of country with something more green, the faces of the two protagonists (Rowan McNamara and Marissa Gibbon) are also modified. Or else, McNamara and Gibbon are undefined.
The Last Cab to Darwin - AUS vs. KOR
Spoiler Alert: Despite what Korean cinema might have you think, leading character, Rex (Michael Caton) didn't actual journey the entire way to from Broken Hill to Darwin alone. He had the company of supporting character, Tilly (Mark Coles Smith) through the entire film.
Ten Canoes - AUS vs. UK & GER
While Jamie Gulpilil takes centre stage in his role as Dayindi in Australia, for international audiences, he's demoted in the backdrop of a lake scene.
Rabbit Proof Fence - AUS vs. UK & US
First you see leading cast, Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury and Laura Monaghan - and now you don't.
Bran Nue Dae - AUS vs. International
While most of the film's promotion - Australia included - used the 'international' poster, the marketing material had many variations.
The Sapphires - AUS vs. US
What's the best way to promote a incredible biography of four Aboriginal woman? With one white dude, of course.
Walkabout - AUS vs. UK & JAP
Lots of material has been made for this 1970s film over the years, with variations of film posters, VHS and DVD covers. Most of it includes David Gupilil, who is a central character - except in Japan's case.
Jedda - AUS vs. UK & DEN
UK's copywriting sounding more like a sentence from your racist white Grandad...
Australia - AUS vs. US...
A simple colour change,
... FRA, CZE & JAP
and David Gupilil is going, going, gone.
Australian and world-Indigenous films are available On Demand including, Jedda.
