Blackbird

This short drama sheds light on a little known part of history - Australia's sugar slaves. Set in the late 1800s, it follows the story of Solomon Islander siblings, Kiko and Rosa, who were kidnapped from their Pacific island home and forced to work on a sugar cane plantation in Queensland in conditions akin to slavery.

Shot entirely on location and in collaboration with communities in Mackay, Queensland - where these historical events took place - BLACKBIRD is augmented with traditional Solomon Islands lullabies and elements of Islander culture.

The descendants of these islanders still live today in Australia and continue to struggle for recognition. Filmmaker Amie Batalibasi, made BLACKBIRD in memory of three of her own ancestors who were blackbirded.

Winner of Best drama - Short Film at the Sydney Indie Film Festival. Official Selection at the New Zealand International Film Festival.