MAYPILAMA Moves from Darwin to Melbourne and Beyond
Larrakia Country, NT, 9 September, 2026
Its only now we have had a moment to catch up with the pace of our project and reflect on the successful launch of MAYPILAMA: Keel Line of Creation.
The Darwin premiere at the Deckchair Cinema was a fitting way to share the film for the first time. The only notable absence was our filmmaker, Pat, who was unable to attend due to illness. Although missed, his many years of careful documentation and filmmaking artistry were clearly present on the screen.
Photo credit: Sarah Ireland. MC Sophia Bain-Emberson and Dr Bilawar Lee welcoming audiences to the Darwin Launch at the Deckchair Cinema.
Ten djäkamirr travelled on charter planes from Galiwin’ku for the premiere, taking their place at the centre of an event and story which they have contributed so much. Screening the film outdoors under the balmy Darwin night sky also gave the evening a strong sense of place.
Photo credit: Lani Buxton Shepard. Djäkamirr and staff at the Deckchair Cinema Launch.
Dr Bilawara Lee, First Nations Academic-in-Residence at Charles Darwin University, welcomed us to Larrakia Country. Her words reminded us of the continuing presence of Larrakia creation forces within the land where we had gathered.
Sophia Emberson-Bain was our generous, graceful and skilful host for the evening. She spoke about the significance of birth, not only for women, babies and families, but also for communities and the wider project of nation-building.
Photo credit: Lani Buxton Shepard. MC Sophia Emberson- Bain interviewing the panel
An ABC television crew attended and reported on the premiere, helping bring wider attention to the film and, importantly, to the work and achievements of the Yolŋu women at its centre.
Photo credit:Sarah Ireland. The team being interviewd by ABC.
The screening was a sell-out! We thank everyone who purchased a ticket and took the time to engage with this important story. We are also grateful to the Molly Wardaguga Institute staff and students, and to volunteers from our partners, the Co-operative Federation and Womb to Tomb Foundation, who helped run the Djäkamirr Co-op merchandise stall. Finally, we acknowledge Bank Australia’s generous support in helping us bring the Darwin premiere to life.
Photo credit: Lani Buxton Shepard. L-R The Djäkmirr Co-op merchandise stall, volunteers Karishma, Sam and Renee; and MC Sophia Emberson-Bain.
Soon afterwards, we travelled south to Melbourne to join other filmmaker finalists at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. We were so fortunate to be welcomed to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country by Stacie Piper. The intimate screening setting of Cinema Nova, in the heart of Lygon Street, was quite different from the large outdoor screening in Darwin.
Both screenings, however, created an opportunity for audiences to consider what Yolŋu women have achieved and why culturally grounded approaches to pregnancy, birth and postnatal care matter.
Photo credit:Sarah ireland. Stacie Piper welcoming us to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country at the Melbourne Documentray Film Festival screening at Cinema Nova.
Photo credit: Sarah Ireland. (L-R) Filmmaker Pat Josse, Djäkamirr Tanya and Professor Maypilama trying to keep warm in Melbourne. It was a challenge!
With the Darwin and Melbourne premieres now complete, our attention is turning to how the film can be shared more widely.
We have chosen to work with Demand Films, which enables individuals, organisations and communities to host screenings at their local cinemas. There is no upfront cost or financial obligation. A screening proceeds once the required number of tickets has been reserved, with the threshold depending on the size of the venue.
Hosting a screening is a practical way to bring people together, introduce new audiences to the work of the djäkamirr, and generate informed discussion about Yolŋu-led maternity care and the continuing aspiration to return birth services to Galiwin’ku.
If you would like to bring MAYPILAMA: Keel Line of Creation to your community, please contact David@demand.film or use the Demand Film hosting link below.
We hope that the people who have followed and supported this work will now help us carry the story into communities across Australia.
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Great film!