An army of First Nations warriors come out to play in this work by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie.
An all-Indigenous crew of martial arts students train together in their dojo; learning teachings of discipline, self-defense and teamwork. When the Sensei cries, “What do we want?” the students respond, “Restitution! Land back! Equality! No more cops killing our mob!”, vocalising demands of environmental, political and social concern, and reflecting the broad diversity within contemporary Indigenous urban society.
Rennie was taught martial arts by his father while growing up in Melbourne’s inner West. What Do We Want? marries his 25-year history of martial arts and his arts practice, while expanding Rennie’s evolving moving image repertoire into the realm of performance.
What Do We Want? takes influence from martial arts films including Blaxploitation films of the 1970s and 80s; utilising the medium to make a statement about authenticity, respect, bravery and collective power. The students in What Do We Want? become a force to be reckoned with.
The work loudly and proudly conveys the diversity of First Nations peoples, and the ongoing fight for justice that unifies them, raising urgent questions that require action and response.
Acknowledgements
Director: Reko Rennie
Produced by Film Camp, Philippa Campey, Molly O’Connor
Original composition by A.B. Original
Produced by Trials
Director of Photography: Sherwin Akbarzadeh
Editor: Carlo Zeccola
Featuring
Sensei Master: Adam Briggs (Yorta Yorta)
Students: Caine Muir (Yorta Yorta and Wati Wati), Inala Cooper (Yawuru), James Saunders (Gundtijmara and Wiradjuri), Joe Bell (Yorta Yorta), Kelvin Onus King (Gunditjmara), Kimmie Lovegrove (Ngarrindjeri), Mila Rennie Galvin (Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi/Gamilaraay),Reko Rennie (Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi/Gamilaraay), Sermsah Pepi Bin Saad (Nyikina), Shane Mankitya Cook (Guwa (Koa) and Wulli Wulli), Talahiva Rose (Gomeroi), Vicky Frowd (Wiradjuri)
1st AD: Molly O’Connor
Production Co-Ordinator: Felise Lyon
B Camera Operator: Carlo Zeccola
1st Assistant Camera A Cam: Lachlan Wright
1st Assistant Camera B Cam: Cameron Gaze
2nd Assistant Camera: Thomas Hayes
Sound Recordist: Steven Bond
Boom Operator: Hayden Guildford
Gaffer: Tommi Hacker
Grip: Birrin King
Lighting Assistant: Louis Walter
Stills Photographer: Ellery Ryan
Art Department: Lauren Beck
Runner: Shivesh Ram
Costume Design: Reko Rennie
Costume Embroidery: Best Embroidery
Assistant Editor: Louise Mullins
Conform: Eva Otsing
Post-Production Facility: Crayon
Colourist: Abe Wynen
Graphics: James Neilson
Sound Post Facility: Windmill Audio
Sound Mix: Pip Atherstone-Reid
Camera House: VA Hire
Lighting Supplier: Film Star Lighting
Camera House: VA Hire
Lighting Supplier: Film Star Lighting
Legals: Guestwork Agency
Courtesy the artist, Reko Rennie and STATION
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Collection
In ACMI's collection
Previously on display
1 May 2022
ACMI: Gallery 4
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
Z000137
Language
English
Subject category
Digital Art
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Measurements
2 mins 20 seconds, looped.
Object Types
Artwork
Materials
Three-channel video, colour and sound