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Abstract: Sutton discusses the use of ethnographic filming by the Cape Keerweer people on the Aurukum Reserve, North Queensland. Emphasis is placed on the way these people actively engaged with the process of filming and the photographic production of their image, rather than assuming a one-way relationship of exploitation by the filmmaker over Aboriginal film objects.

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Abstract: 

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Abstract: Sandall discusses specific examples of ethnographic film – including David MacDougall’s To Live with Herds, Shindo’s The Island, Dunlop’s Desert People and Bertucelli’s Ramparts of Clay – in terms of the potential silencing of their ‘ethnic’ subjects. He considers film techniques in relation to whether they ensure or deny the individuality and independence of the aesthetic object and its narrative subjects: for example, the ‘Japanese peasant’, the ‘Arab’, and the ‘Aboriginal’.

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Abstract: This report by the Director of the AIAS film unit concerns select ethnographic conferences held by the American Anthropological Association during the period 16/11/1970-29/01/1971. Sandall focuses on audience reactions to film screenings at these conferences – for instance the types of questions asked – rather than engaging with a specific film or issue raised.

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Abstract: The aim of this meeting was to investigate the extent of ethnographic filmmaking in Australia and the Pacific area with the intention of ‘stimulating the production of ethnographic films and making better known to specialist and possibly wider audiences the existence of films of outstanding quality and interest’ (7). Ten papers were presented on subjects including: a comparative overview of Australian ethnographic film (Elkin 18-22); technical aspects of production (Rouch 26-27 and Dunlop 34-45; 46-50); and the potential use of these films as an educational tool (Benedict 51-56). Key themes discussed were the: urgency of recording vanishing or changing cultures and the inadequacy of the resources available for this purpose (13) need for integrity in ethnographic and sociological filmmaking (14) need for greater dissemination of information and coordination of effort (16) strength of the film medium in the area under discussion, and its wide appeal (16) The conference passed a series of general resolutions including: recognition of the indispensable role of cinema to the recording of cultures; the use of film as an ‘historical duty’ (10); and an urgent call for programmes focussing on ‘primitive cultures’ threatened with extinction within the next decade. Specific resolutions in regards to the Pacific area were also put forward. These concerned the development or expansion of ethnographical and sociological film committees for the purpose of coordinating, researching, and promoting film production. These resolutions are summarised as follows: That each Pacific nation be asked to constitute at national level an ethnographical and sociological film committee (affiliated with CIFES) That certain nations in the Pacific area should establish a Pacific Ethnographic Audio-Visual Centre to operate under the aegis of UNESCO (with five main functions as listed on p11). That further enlarged conferences be held That steps be taken to increase Pacific participation in international film festivals That a comprehensive descriptive catalogue of ethnographic film of the Pacific area be compiled.