Wolfram premieres at SIFF, echoing shared indigenous and Chinese historical memories

Wolfram, the latest film by Australian Indigenous director Warwick Thornton, held its China premiere on June 14 as part of the Australia Focus program at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF).

Described as an "anti-Western" film inspired by real family history, the feature explores the resilience and solidarity between Indigenous Australians and Chinese laborers working in the mines of central Australia. Its theme struck a chord with audiences at the festival.

A filmmaker from the Kaytetye (Arrernte) people, Thornton has always rooted his work in the lived experiences of his community. The story of Wolfram draws on the stories of his great-grandmothers and those of co-writer David Tranter - women who were imprisoned and enslaved to work in central Australian mines.

Addressing long-standing stereotypes of Indigenous people on screen, Thornton said: "Most films about Indigenous people were made by white or British directors who never truly understood us."

"If I make films, I must tell the stories of my own people and show our dignity," he added. Thornton follows a creative philosophy of "entertainment first, education second", avoiding didactic storytelling. He hopes audiences will be drawn to the plot while gaining insight into a long-overlooked chapter of history.

For Chinese audiences, one of the film's most moving elements is the friendship and mutual support between Indigenous communities and Chinese laborers.

To ensure historical and cultural authenticity, the creative team worked with cultural consultants to trace family genealogies and verify details surrounding the Chinese characters portrayed on screen.

Thornton emphasized the importance of cultural respect in filmmaking: "Chinese culture is incredibly rich. It varies so much across regions and dialects. If I don't understand something, I will never pretend to. That is the most basic principle for a director."

Presented by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) in partnership with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR), the screening forms part of a three-year Australia-China screen cultural and industry exchange initiative. In 2025, the initiative brought Better Man to the Beijing International Film Festival. Alongside Wolfram, this year's Australia Focus lineup includes the 2025 releases First Light and Mockbuster, as well as a newly restored edition of the classic Storm Boy (1976).

On June 20, AACTA also hosted an industry forum to introduce filming incentives and co-production opportunities, while further strengthening industry connections between the two countries.

"Film transcends language and culture. As long as the story is sincere, and the emotions are real, people anywhere can understand it," Thornton said.