Desert Pea Media is very proud to share a creative collaboration with the community of Thursday Island, in the Torres Straits Island group in Northern 'Queensland'.

'The Surface' was created as part of a larger multi-arts project spanning 14 days on Thursday Island in September 2019. An outcome of a unique, collaborative creative process with Desert Pea Media artists, local young people, community members, Elders, and local services. This was made possible by an innovative and groundbreaking partnership with FNQ Primary Health Network.

The overall purpose of the project was to facilitate an important, inter-generational conversation about social and emotional well-being for Indigenous young people in 5 communities around FNQ (Kuranda, Bowen, Palm Island, Thursday Island & Lockhart River).

This is the story of Rucia Elu - a young father reflecting on his battle with mental health. A unique and overlooked perspective on the pressures of young fatherhood - challenging his own experiences and sharing his journey with the world. This is a brave and generous yarn, focusing on gratitude and presence and sharing big experiences for the purpose of supporting others.

Desert Pea Media projects involve a dialogue-based storytelling process that encourages participants to analyze 'the real', 'the ideal' and 'the bridge'. In simple terms this means critically thinking about how to create positive change for yourself, for each other and for our communities.

These inter-generational conversations around wellbeing, grief, trauma and hopefulness/aspiration are critical to healthy communities, and sadly uncommon.

These projects not only uplift and inspire participants and community members, but are profoundly impactful experiences for our Creative Team, our core family and audiences all over the world. It is a deep honour for us to learn, share and create with all of you amazing mob around this beautiful country.

'The Surface' was Co-Directed, Shot and Edited by Mitch O'Hearn, as part of an intensive co-writing process with Rucia Elu and DPM Creative Team. We thank you for your artistic integrity, commitment and passionate work with our DPM family over the past few years.

Special thanks to Aunty Ellen Ronson, Jodi and the team from My Pathways, Diat Alferink from TSIMA, Lisa Lui and the Meriam Dance Group and Paula Arnol, Alex Blanco and staff from Torres Health.

STARRING

Rucia & Emilio Elu

CREDITS -
Mitch O’Hearn – Co-Writer/Co-Director/Co-Producer/DOP/Editor, Rucia Elu - Co-Writer/Performer, Toby Finlayson - Project Director/Co-Writer/Co-Director, Ciolla Riley - Co-Facilitator, Maf Priestley – Co-Facilitator/Co-Director, Coedie McCarthy - Co-Facilitator/Co-Writer, Josh Nicholas - Sound Engineer/ Sound Design, Daniel Glossop – Audio Engineer/Co-Facilitator, Grace Newell - Production Coordinator/Photographer, Ash Camm - Business Manager – Project Manager – Belle Arnold

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