Vale Wal Saunders
Screen Australia are saddened to learn of the passing of Walter (Wal) Saunders.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this article contains images and names of people who have passed.
Uncle Wal Saunders at the Screen Australia Indigenous 25 Gala, 2018.
A Kilcarer Gunditj and Gilgar Gunditj man of the Gunditjmara of South-West Victoria, Wal was integral to forming the now First Nations Department – then the Indigenous Branch of Screen Australia’s predecessor the Australian Film Commission.
As Manager of the Indigenous Branch from 1993-1999, Wal advocated for the recognition of Indigenous storytelling on screen and was a leading force for First Nations practitioners in the Australian film landscape. His work launched the very first film initiatives for First Nations filmmakers in Australia, supporting filmmakers and creatives to start their careers and laid the groundwork for what has become a vibrant screen community.
Wal Saunders launches From Sand to Celluloid, 1993.
Wal was foundational in establishing dedicated funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander productions, advocating that First Nations stories be told and owned by First Nations creatives. Creating initiatives such as the groundbreaking From Sand to Celluloid, Shifting Sands, Crossing Tracks and the touring film festival Hidden Pictures, providing training and resources to First Nations filmmakers, and Wal’s tireless work shaped the ethos of what is now the First Nations Department.
Incoming Screen Australia Head of First Nations Content Gillian Moody-Ardler said, "It was an honour to have known Uncle Wal Saunders, a trailblazer for our screen industry, an advocate, a gentleman, fiercely passionate about community, family, the arts, culture and truth-telling.
"At the start of Uncle Wal’s time as Manager of the AFC Indigenous Branch in 1993 there was no budget for projects, but through his work and advocacy for filmmakers, the department became a key component of Screen Australia and developed ground breaking short film initiatives like From Sand to Celluloid. Many more programs have followed across the last 30 years and this initiative approach has remained strong in developing First Nations filmmakers, actors and practitioners' careers. May his legacy live on through the expanding First Nations screen sector, through projects that lead with authenticity of voice, with respect of protocols and cultural awareness."
In the three decades since the launch of From Sand to Celluloid, First Nations filmmaking has grown under his careful guidance and advocacy. His work more broadly advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, community and stories has left an indelible imprint and his legacy will live on through the pathways he was instrumental in creating. We will continue to embody his passion by nurturing, escalating and giving platform to First Nations filmmakers and stories.
Thank you, Wal, for everything.
Images used with permission of the family.
Screen Australia initiative screening, circa 1993/94.
