Acknowledging that you can’t be what you can’t see and informed by proud Yuin artist, producer and radio host, Nooky’s own upbringing as a self-proclaimed Warrior, the documentary film is dedicated to inspiring, equipping and empowering Indigenous youth to succeed by connecting them with First Nations role models. The film THROUGH THE FIRE surfaces and harnesses the prolific power of Indigenous achievements across music, fashion, sport and beyond.
Nooky said, “THROUGH THE FIRE is a piece of art that tells the story of a new age movement informed by a story as old as time, our black cockatoo story, which is significant to my birthplace Nowra. The story of the black cockatoo is a white cockatoo who sacrificed himself by flying through fire in order to help people. Going through the fire was painful and tortuous, but he made it out on the other side. He didn’t give up, he sang the rain. Carrying the lessons and scars, which changed his coat from white to black, he is now a symbol of hope and selflessness. In its essence, it’s a tale of persistence, unwavering strength and resilience. I went through the fire and We Are Warriors is what I carried with me. Believe me when I tell you though this is just the beginning.”
Ben Miles, VP, Executive Creative Director, Brand Design & Consulting APAC at R/GA added “THROUGH THE FIRE unpacks the uncomfortable truths faced by First Nations People, but more importantly, it shifts the narrative and becomes an inspiring story of bravery, resilience and Blak excellence. The film is told through the lens of Nooky and our founding Warriors with a raw, fierce and empathetic tone — seamlessly blending the past and the present through contemporary storytelling and rap. It’s a reminder that against all odds, anything is possible. We hope it inspires Indigenous youth and reinforces that they too are Warriors.”
Director Gabriel Gasparinatos said, “It was a unique and exciting chance to partner with Nooky again and tell this part of his story. I hope we’ve created something that will connect with First Nations youth around the country, and continue to elevate those voices. Collaborating with talented creatives on a film like this, with Tyson, our crew, Entropico, R/GA and Garuwa was really special.”
On Invasion Day (January 26 2023), We Are Warriors invites all ages and backgrounds to a free evening of live music, contemporary and traditional dance, film, art and panel discussions, as Blak Powerhouse turns a day known for great loss and sorrow into one of power and positivity from an inclusive space. One year old in 2023, as a co-created, purpose-driven company, We Are Warriors continues to celebrate the far-reaching potential of Blak excellence and connection to role models in shaping the futures of First Nations youth. It supports and invests in the next generation of leaders by providing them with access to a wide range of workshops as well as mentorship programmes.
THROUGH THE FIRE is Executive Produced by Nooky of We Are Warriors, Ben Miles, VP, Executive Creative Director, Brand Design & Consulting APAC at R/GA, and Seamus Higgins, Former VP, CCO, R/GA. Directed by Gabriel Gasparinatos and produced by Erin Moy. It is an Entropico production in collaboration with Garuwa. With support from Rare by Google, Adobe JD Sports and Heaps Normal.
CREDITS
Client: We Are Warriors
Founder: Nooky AKA Corey Webster
Creative Agency: R/GA
VP, Executive Creative Director, APAC: Ben Miles
VP, CCO: Seamus Higgins
Senior Producer: Joel Stevens
Design Director: Henry Cook
Visual Designers: Ryan Winter + Louis Johanson
Copywriter: Leila Khoshoie
Senior Strategist: Georgia Doust
Senior Experience Designer: Johnny Cole
Technology Lead: Mike King
SVP, Managing Director: Michael Titshall
Director of Marketing & Communications: Kate Neill
Production Company: Entropico
Executive Producer: Erin Moy
Producer: Sophia de Vries
Director: Gabriel Gasparinatos
Stills: James Evans & Rob Hookey
DOP: Tyson Perkins
1st AC: Dan Abbot
Steadicam: Max McLachlan
Gaffer: Tom Keyes
Editor: Jodie Williams
Colourist: Matt Fezz
Sound Design & Mix: Rowan Dix
DA: Raghav Rampal
Gear provided by The Front
Photographer: Rob Hookey
Garuwa
Executive Producer/Creative Director: Kieran Satour
2nd Asst. Director: Josef Jakamarra Egger
PR: Thinking Loud
Director: Aniela Swiatek
Account Manager: Charlotte Harrison
Project Manager: Omari Elliot
GeedUp Supply:
Managing Director: Beau Seywell
Production Director: Rhys Adams
About R/GA
R/GA is a global design and marketing innovation consultancy, part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific. We help brands and businesses define, connect with and create more human futures. This includes brand, experience, relationship and communications design; media planning and buying; technology services, and specialized offerings: R/GA Health and R/GA Ventures. For more information about R/GA, please visit rga.com
About We Are Warriors
Launched on January 26, 2022 from over 18 months in the making, Nooky partnered with global creative agency R/GA, to design a first-of-its-kind business model and brand. Together they share a collective goal to operate a platform that celebrates Blak excellence and empowers the next generation to achieve their greatness, and unlock their inner Warrior. We Are Warriors launched with a content series of video interviews, all maintaining an overarching roadmap to build empathy among everyday Australians.
https://www.wearewarriors.com.au/
About Entropico
Entropico is a creative production company. We are multidisciplinary, with a large in-house creative team working across film, photography, design, animation, audio and installation. We create integrated campaigns and bespoke commissions in many forms, and we offer full service production and
post-production, and have photographic studios, edit suites and music studios at our Sydney HQ. We also have offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and create content all over the world.
https://www.entropico.com.au/