Jason Bray

The people of The Gap Uniting Church would not consider themselves as radicals. Tucked away in the leafy western suburbs of Brisbane this growing congregation is as active and as warm hearted as any. But the status quo is about to change when the church decides to follow their indigenous youth worker Richard Cassidy back to his home country in North Queensland in July 2011. In locations like Palm Island and Cardwell these everyday suburbanites will be faced with some of Australia’s most pressing issues, including the Stolen Generation, the deaths in custody , the high percentage of indigenous incarceration and many more tough issues. Yet amongst these controversial issues, the key to the trip will not be guilt, but friendship as the people of the Gap experience the warm friendship and hospitality of Richard’s people.

Connecting Countryis not film about politicians, activists or celebrities, but instead it will be observing the profound transformation of every day doctors, teachers, house wives, students and other normal “Aussies” as they expose their hearts and minds to the challenging stories and friendships of indigenous Australia. With this approach Australian audiences, usually timid about dealing with indigenous reconciliation will find a safe doorway into the issue with people just like themselves. By the end of the film the viewers will share the same revelation as the members of the Gap Uniting Church, reconciliation starts with listening, understanding and extending the hand of friendship, something almost anyone can do. 

Connecting Country will be the fourth documentary Jason Bray will be producing and directing for Red Earth Films following Breathless, Ballots and Bullets and Street Dreams which is in production. Red Earth's Mike Crowhurst will also produce.