ABOUT MORNING STAR 

 
 

Morning Star is the sequel to Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy, in which we followed the charismatic Galpu elder and didgeridoo master Djalu Gurruwiwi on his crusade to find a worthy songline custodian and ensure his people’s ancient knowledge be passed to future generations. That custodian was found in his own son Larry.

Raised among the rich musical culture of the Yolngu in Arnhem Land, whose members have included the mighty Yothu Yindi, Larry is considered one of the best traditional yidaki (didgeridoo) players on the planet. It was uncertain, however, whether Larry would accept his role as songman. He was only recently suffering from debilitating depression and was avoiding his tribal responsibilities. But having been inspired and healed by Djalu, who for years travelled the world to demonstrate the power of Aboriginal culture, Larry is now feeling strong and is devoted to carrying on his father’s vital work.

With Djalu now too old to travel, Larry and his brothers Jason and Vernon, who together make Larry Gurruwiwi and Malawurr, embark on a journey to Europe to play at some of the most prestigious world music festivals in Europe and share their proud culture with balanda (westerners).

What they’re bringing is more than a beautiful artform; it’s a traditional science encoded with vital information millenia old, which is capable of healing in profound ways. And as Djalu recognised long ago, with the modern world having become so disconnected from the Earth and from each other, it’s in desperate need of Indigenous knowledge.

Much of Europe is obsessed with the didgeridoo and as they tour through festivals in England, Wales, Czech Republic and France, Larry and his brothers encounter huge audiences. Many know Larry as the famous Djalu’s son, but he also discovers his reputation as a world class player has reached these far flung corners on its own, helped along by the internet. They meet people from all walks of life, many of whom have fought their own battles with mental illness and have found the only thing that could bring them back to the light was the yidaki, specifically played in the traditional style.

Whilst in London, Larry also participates in groundbreaking medical research to quantify the effects of the traditional vibrational sound healing that he was taught by Djalu. By demonstrating the power of the sacred songlines, Larry in turn aims to inspire his own people back home, who have largely strayed from their culture and are thus suffering terribly. He wants to show them that their traditions are revered around the world, and have very practical application.

But is Larry up to such massive responsibilities? Can he handle the pressure of all the attention? Is he truly a worthy custodian of 60,000 year old traditions, and can he live up to Djalu’s legacy?

All will be revealed in what’s sure to be an incredible film, but we need your help to bring it to life!

 

MORNING STAR PROGRESS UPDATE JAN 2021

We have completed principal photography and are now entering into the post production stage - this is where we edit the film and, in time, get to show it to you.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far, we have captured hundreds of hours of footage and have a truly compelling story to tell.

We are now in the process of creating a Proof of Concept short film - essentially a except from the film - which we will use to market the film to potential distributors, agents, networks. We have received support from Film Victoria to embark on this stage of development and will continue to raise additional funds to keep the project moving.

REASONS TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN

  • You will be supporting Indigenous musicians as they endeavour to share their vitally important culture on an international stage.

  • You will be supporting independent Australian filmmakers, who will share this inspiring story with a global audience.

  • You will reinforce the belief in Yolngu youth that their culture and traditions are deeply respected.

  • You will contribute to a ground breaking medical research project that may scientifically support what Yolngu culture has known for millennia- that traditional sound healing is effective in treating health issues.

  • Because you’re amazing.

HOW FUNDS WILL BE SPENT

  • Post production

  • Marketing & PR

  • and more