Pilbara gets a taste of Hollywood magic

The red carpet was rolled out in Port Hedland this month with renowned Australian production crews starting work on a new film offering unique Indigenous perspectives on the big screen.

Sweet As, written and directed by Nyal Nyal and Yawaru woman Jub Clerc, is based on her life growing up in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

This coming-of-age tale follows 15-year-old Indigenous girl, Murra, who is abandoned after a fight with her mother and, with the help of her uncle, ventures on a journey of self discovery with other ‘at-risk’ teenagers.

Filming is expected to commence in July with extras being called for production in the mining town.

Ms Clerc said she was excited to be given the opportunity to tell this story to the nation.

“As a Nyul Nyul (and) Yawuru woman from the Kimberley my liyan (wellbeing) is bursting,” she said.

“I am so humbled to pay homage to the Pilbara region where I grew up and to the people who raised me. I hope I do them all proud.”

Indigenous Screen Australia head Penny Smallacombe said Clerc was an exciting new talent and the company was thrilled to support the production.

“We are also excited that the story is told from the point of view of a young Aboriginal teenage, a perspective we don’t see enough of on screen,” she said.

“Coupled with the amazing back drop of the Pilbara, Sweet As will be a film that adds volumes to the Indigenous Australian film canon.”

Major production investment comes from Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department with funding also flowing in from Screenwest, Lotterywest and the Western Australian Regional Film Fund.