Cultural Protocols In Screen Australia

Indigenous Australians are the original occupants of Australia and the creative arts – whether it be storytelling, drama or dance- is a vast portion of their cultural identity. Since colonization, they have borne the brunt of extreme prejudice, discrimination and misunderstanding (Reconciliation, pp.1). In today’s society there are many different organizations that have protocols and a code of ethics when working with Indigenous people; and the Australian Film and Television Industry is one of them. Screen Australia (2012) defines protocols as appropriate ways of communicating and working with others. The protocols that Screen Australia (2012) has produced over many different sections such as: Respect for Indigenous Culture, Cultural Integrity, Cultural Beliefs, and Respect for Indigenous Individuals and Communities. It would be significant to note that Protocols are ethical standards and may change over time. It is also important to note that protocols differ from one Indigenous community to another. The All Media Guide (pp.30) writes that there is no one kind of Aboriginal person or community. Indigenous communities throughout Australia have their own distinct history, politics, culture and linguistic experience. Screen Australia (2012) acknowledges this and continues saying there is not just one Indigenous culture; there are in fact many, and that these Indigenous cultures place importance on the observation of cultural protocols. As an individual looking to enter the Australian Film and Television Industry it is imperative to know how the industry approaches issues of Indigenous representation both self and by others, as well as their cultural identity and race. In this essay I will seek to discuss why the protocols of my fie...

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...r responsibilities when filming Indigenous People and in Indigenous Communities. Darlene Johnson also prompted respect for different culture and dignity of Indigenous participants in a film project, by promoting cultural integrity (Oxfam).

As someone who is looking to work in the Film and Television Industry I would represent Indigenous Australians in a way that respects not only their cultural identity but also

After being spoken about by others for centuries and with little to no voice of their own, self-representation is important to Indigenous People and Communities because it allows them to tell their own stories in their own ways which enables diversity. With the film industry supporting the use of Television channels and Radio stations run solely for Indigenous Communities it gives them someone to relate to. The protocols that are enforced are to ensure th