Blackbird Film Project
---------------------------
'Blackbird' is a short period drama that contends with social issues surrounding Australian South Sea Islanders, telling the untold story of the exploitation of Pacific Islanders rooted in the beginning of Australia's sugar industry.
Blackbird is set in the early 1870s and follows the story of Solomon Islander siblings Kiko (14) and Rosa (24) who were kidnapped from their homelands and brought to work on a sugar plantation in Queensland’s Pioneer Valley. Kiko and Rosa are entangled in a world driven by commercial gain where exploitation of Pacific Islanders for cheap labour is legislated and conditions for Islanders are akin to slavery.
Rosa struggles to day-to-day while trying to hold onto her culture and identity, and keeping an eye on Kiko, who is growing ever resistant to their bleak situation. Rosa is torn between silently prevailing, and saving her brother from the Kiko's impending confiict with their ill-tempered overseer.

Australian South Sea Islanders planting sugar cane on a plantation at Bingera Queensland ca. 1897. State Library of QLD.
This film aims to demonstrate the enduring spirit of humanity to survive in the face of extreme adversity.
Blackbird will be shot entirely on location in Mackay where the history that this story is based on, took place - bringing the story of Australia’s Sugar Slaves to life. Spoken in traditional Solomon Islands languages and Pijin English, with elements of Islander culture set against the backdrop of expansive tropical cane fields, this film immerses audiences in a little known part Australian history.

Source: State Library of QLD
One of the main reasons this film will be made is to honour the approximately 60,000 Pacific Islanders who were brought to Australia between 1863 and 1904. Three of those Pacific Islanders were my ancestors who were never seen or heard from again. So the film I'm making is a personal one, but it's also about a history that we all share.

"Ship load of South Sea Islanders arriving in Queensland". Source: State Library of Queensland.

South Sea Islander Camp in Queensland. Source: State Library of Qld.
The film will be made using a small crew of professional filmmakers and students, and also with the help of Australian South Sea Islander and Pacific Islander communities who will help out with crewing roles and being the stars of this project. We hope that the spirit and energy, and the fun of working with communities will shine through the telling of this story!
Stay Updated
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackbirdfilmproject
• Web: www.amiebatalibasi.com/blackbird
• Email: [email protected]
How The Funds Will Be Used
Donations for this film project will be used to make this film happen:
• create period-authentic costumes,
• sets and props (we'll be building some traditional Island style huts!)
• equipment hire & fees for specialist peeps that we need to get on board
• help us feed and house a big team for a week (a well fed cast and crew with a good night's sleep is a HAPPY one!)
• getting a small and nimble cast and crew into, on and around the Mackay, QLD locations.
The Challenges

Thanks a bunch!
We'll send you LOADS of thanks AND a Blackbird badge.
Archival History
Receive a set of four postcards featuring archival photographs from Australian South Sea Islander history.
ASSI Stories + Keyring
Grab yourself an Australian South Sea Islander (ASSI) Stories DVD featuring 7x short films made in 2014 by first-time ASSI directors who explored culture, heritage and identity through storytelling and film. (Limited number available). PLUS an exclusive 'Blackbird' Keyring featuring our unique logo design.
We've got the Paua
You get one pair of Paua Shell Earrings made by director Amie Batalibasi. You will receive a similar pair to the pictured items.
Keyring + Cooler COMBO
We'll send you a handmade drink cooler in the Australian South Sea Islander colours PLUS an exclusive 'Blackbird' keyring.
Shell Money + Keyring
You will receive one pair of shell money earrings made in Malaita, Solomon Islands PLUS a Blackbird keyring.
Blackbird on DVD!
This is the only place you will be able to pre-order your copy of the Blackbird short film on DVD. We'll also give you a Blackbird badge. Please note, delivery will be in December but we will make it worth the wait!!!
Blackbird T-shirt & Badge
Score a t-shirt featuring the exclusive 'Blackbird' logo as well as a badge to match!
Shell Money Necklace +DVD
You get one shell money necklace handmade in Malaita Solomon Islands. Shell money was used as a currency and is still used as a form of bride price today. Your necklace will be similar to those pictured. This is the only place you can get the Blackbird DVD - pre-order your copy! (DVD to be delivered in December)
T-Shirt +Keyring +Cooler
Get a Blackbird T-shirt PLUS Blackbird keyring PLUS a handmade drink cooler in the ASSI colours.
Utimate COMBO Pack
Can't decide which reward? Have it all!! Receive all of the above items: • Set of 4 postcards • Blackbird Keyring • Handmade ASSI drink cooler • Blackbird DVD • Blackbird T-shirt All items will be posted out in August except the DVD which will be sent in December.
Fund this Film (times 5)!
We'll give you 5 of each of these: • Set of 4 postcards • Blackbird Keyring • Handmade ASSI drink cooler • Blackbird DVD • Blackbird T-shirt PLUS you can have your name (or your organisation/ business name) in lights. We'll give you a Facebook page shout out and put your name in the credits. All items will be posted out in August except the DVD which will be sent in December.
THE BIG TIME x10!
We'll give you 10x of each of these rewards: • Set of 4 postcards • Blackbird Keyring • Handmade ASSI drink cooler • Blackbird DVD • Blackbird T-shirt PLUS we'll give you a Facebook page shout out PLUS we'll put you in the credits AND also add a logo (for businesses and organisations). All items will be posted out in August except the DVD which will be sent in December.