by FilmInk Staff
A powerful new documentary, Emily: I Am Kam, revealing the work of Australia’s most significant artist, Emily Kam Kngwarray, premieres on National Indigenous Television (NITV) and SBS On Demand on Wednesday 9 July at 8:30pm, with an encore on SBS on Saturday 12 July at 8:30pm.
Directed by Danielle MacLean, the film delves into Emily Kam Kngwarray’s transformative impact on the international contemporary art world and her enduring legacy. Emily: I Am Kam is a detailed portrait that offers an intimate and profound exploration of Kngwarray, a trailblazing Anmatyerr artist from the Northern Territory. Kngwarray is celebrated as one of Australia’s most significant and prolific artists. Her work is deeply rooted in her connection to Country, culture, and community. Emily: I Am Kam follows the preparations of the National Gallery of Australia’s major 2023 Kngwarray retrospective. It provides a rare opportunity to witness her journey and the profound influence of her art and explores the power of Emily’s work to protect her Country, Alhalker.
The film has received principal production funding from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, and features rare archival recordings, audio, and visuals from the mid-1970s onwards, many of which have never been seen or heard before. These materials allow Kngwarray to speak in her own words, offering viewers an authentic and personal insight into her life and artistic process,
Interviews with Emily’s descendants as they revive the awely (women’s ceremony) and collaborate on a major retrospective exhibition, reaffirms her connection to Country and community and helps audiences gain an understanding of who she was and why she painted. It also reveals her legacy is much more than the 3,000 or so paintings she left behind.
Emily: I Am Kam is produced by Anna Grieve and Danielle MacLean of Tamarind Tree Pictures, and written and directed by Danielle MacLean.
Producers Danielle MacLean and Anna Grieve of Tamarind Tree Pictures, said: “Emily: I Am Kam is much more than an art documentary, it is a cultural story told while working alongside the Alhalker and Anangker women, Kngwarray’s descendants and cultural successors. These women carry Emily’s legacy in their bodies, their songs, their ceremonies and in their relationship to Country. They welcomed us onto their land, shared their knowledge, and allowed us to witness what cannot be found in archives or galleries – the living continuation of Kngwarray’s culture. Emily: I Am Kam is not a Western story of artistic genius or fame. It is a story of deep cultural continuity, told from within the community.”
Dena Curtis, Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV, said: “Emily Kam Kngwarray is one of Australia’s most significant artists. Having reshaped the international art world, her work and legacy continues to reverberate globally. Emily I am Kam explores the intersection of art, culture and country, NITV is the home of black excellence, and we are incredibly proud to bring Kngwarray’s story to audiences and highlight the living continuation of her culture and legacy.”
Screen Australia First Nations Department Development and Investment Manager Jorjia Gillis, said: “Emily: I Am Kam is a powerful documentary that highlights the culturally significant work, life and legacy of Emily Kam Kngwarray. The creative team led by Danielle MacLean and Anna Grieve have expertly captured the impact of Emily’s career as her paintings truly are living histories with intrinsic connection to Country, community and culture.”
Dr Nick Mitzevich, Director, National Gallery of Australia, said: “Emily Kam Kngwarray was one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. Her original artistic vision and powerful expression of Country, Community, culture and identity has been celebrated globally. As custodians of the largest collection of her art, it is important that the National Gallery shares Kngwarray’s life and art with Australians and the world. It is with great excitement to share her legacy through this captivating documentary.”
Jennie Hughes, Director at Screen Territory, said: “Emily Kam Kngwarray’s story is one of extraordinary cultural and creative significance — not just for the Northern Territory, but for the world. Emily I Am Kam offers a powerful exploration of her legacy, and Screen Territory is proud to support this remarkable documentary from Tamarind Tree Pictures, skillfully directed by the talented Danielle MacLean. This film not only honours one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, but also deepens our understanding of Indigenous art, culture, and the connection to Country.”
Emily: I Am Kam had its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival on Saturday 14 June, with an encore the following day.
The incredible work of Emily Kam Kngwarray will also be showcased at the Tate Modern in the United Kingdom in July.
Emily: I Am Kam is a Tamarind Tree Pictures production for NITV. Principal Production funding from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with National Gallery of Australia. Financed with support from NITV and Screen Territory.
Watch Emily: I Am Kam on NITV and SBS On Demand on Wednesday 9 July at 8:30pm and on SBS on Saturday 12 July at 8:30pm, as part of the network’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. Subtitles will be available on SBS On Demand in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, with audio description for blind or low vision audiences.
About Danielle MacLean Danielle MacLean is an award-winning Warumungu/Luritja writer, director, and producer with a deep commitment to First Nations storytelling. Her writing credits include: Mystery Road, True Colours, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio and Redfern Now. She has also co-directed the documentary Like My Brother and wrote/directed the animation chapter of We Are Still Here. She also worked on NITV’s Barrumbi Kids.
About Anna Grieve Anna Grieve is an independent producer, director and scriptwriter, and is one of the founding partners of Tamarind Tree Pictures. Producing credits include: Croker Island Exodus, Carry The Flag, Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, Kutcha’s Koorioke and Still We Rise. As Film Australia Executive Producer she was responsible for producing Dhakiyarr vs The King, and Mabo: The Native Title Revolution Online (2000), among many others.
Photo: Emily I Am Kam. Emily Kam Kngwarray near Mparntwe (Alice Springs) after the first exhibition of Utopia batiks, 1980. Photo by Toly Sawenko
