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Clay sculpture scene of three figures and a donkey under a tree with red fruit in a desert landscape. One figure picks fruit while another sits.
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Geodesic dome structure with a large screen displaying artwork; surrounded by seating, set on a barren landscape under a clear blue sky.

THE PARRTJIMA DOME

Part cinema, part gathering place, the Parrtjima Dome is a space for story, connection and reflection.

Each evening, the dome offers an intimate space for film, storytelling and conversation, with a curated program of short films and animations by Central Australian artists, art centres and leading Indigenous filmmakers from across Australia, as well as speaker sessions with artists, filmmakers and cultural voices throughout the festival.

Through works in language and subtitled storytelling, the program shares stories of Country, culture and memory. With its circular form and open sky, the dome evokes a contemporary campfire, where film, light and sound bring people together.

Keep an eye on the information board for daily schedules and session times.

STORIES IN MOTION – THE ANIMATION PROGRAM

TANGKI – DONKEY

Tjanpi Desert Weavers I Animator - Jonathan Daw

A playful and heartfelt story exploring the relationship between Anangu and donkeys in the desert community of Pukatja. Combining Tjanpi desert grass sculpture, stop motion animation and oral storytelling, the film celebrates the humour, colour and everyday life of the APY Lands.

Woven donkey figures in a desert scene with a building and palm trees in the background, set on a reddish ground with colorful plants.

KUKAPUTJU (THE HUNTER)

Tjanpi Desert Weavers I Animator - Jonathan Daw

A proud and intimate story centred on the daily life of Pitjantjatjara woman Yanyangkari Roma Butler. Through Tjanpi fibre sculpture and animation, this work brings together storytelling, culture and lived experience.

Three textured clay figures and a dog in a vibrant, surreal landscape with twisted trees and plants on red soil.

ALL THEM TOURISTS TAKIN’ PICTURES EVERYWHERE

Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists I Animator - Jonathan Daw

A humorous and observational story by artist Billy Kenda, reflecting on life in Alice Springs. Through animation and bold visual storytelling, the film offers a unique local perspective with wit and character.

Colorful painting of two orange kangaroos in a vibrant desert landscape with red soil, green bushes, and rocky hills against a pink sky.

THE FIX-IT MAN AND THE FIX-IT WOOMAN

Yarreyty Arltere Artists I Animator - Studio Peeki

In the “bright lights, big city” of Alice Springs, two soft sculpture characters try to impress each other through dance, before discovering a shared talent for fixing things. A gentle and humorous story of connection, created by Yarrenyty Arltere Artists.

Colorful puppet sitting at a table, holding a brown stuffed toy. Scissors, yarn, and a mug on the table; mural of a bird on the wall.

KAMPAKURA (CENTIPEDE)

Spinifex Art Project I Storyteller & Creative Director - Ian Rictor I Animator - Jonathan Daw

A true story from Ian Rictor’s youth, growing up on Pila Nguru (Spinifex Country). After being bitten by a Kampakura (centipede) while out hunting, he draws on traditional bush medicine to treat the pain and swelling. Brought to life by Milpa artists through stop motion animation, the film shares this important Aṉangu knowledge with humour and charm. Translation by Debbie Hansen.

Clay figure in desert setting with stick hut and fire; bird flying above, white clouds in blue sky. Sparse vegetation surrounds.

TJUNTJUNTJARAKU PAPA TJUTAKU TJUKURPA (Dog Stories)

Spinifex Art Project I Storytellers - Shonna Jamieson, Maureen Donegan & FM Gregory Donaldson I Animator - Jonathan Daw

Tjuntjuntjara Papa Tjutaku Tjukurpa shares three stories of dogs living in Tjuntjuntjara, told by their owners and carers. Shonna Jamieson recalls walking Sister Girl and Short Tail and coming across a ngintaka (goanna). Maureen ‘MD’ Donegan reflects on a morning with papa Bully, Tjutju and Army Girl. Gregory ‘FM’ Donaldson fondly remembers Bucky, a famous one-eyed dog who has since passed away, sharing a funny moment about this much-loved papa. Through stop motion animation, Milpa artists bring these stories to life, capturing the role papa play in everyday life in Tjuntjuntjara.

Translation by Debbie Hansen and Shonna Jamieson.

Claymation scene depicting a person sitting by a red house with three clay dogs on an orange surface. Trees are in the background.

SCREEN STORIES FROM THE ARCHIVE

TWO BOB MERMAID (1996)

Directed and written by Darlene Johnson I Core Films

A young girl dreams of becoming a mermaid. To access the local swimming pool, she passes as white in a town where Aboriginal people are excluded. A powerful story about identity, belonging and the cost of pursuing a dream.

NANA (2007)

Directed and written by Warwick Thornton

Nana’s granddaughter thinks Nana’s pretty special. She loves her Nana because she helps the old people, she’s a good painter and other people love her too. Nana’s got everyone under control.

Elderly woman in a red headscarf hugs a young girl in a floral dress, sitting on a porch with blurred nature in the background.

MY BED YOUR BED (1998)

Directed and written by Erica Glynn I Produced by Penny McDonald I Chili Films

A sharp and comedic take on the modern day expression of promise marriage. This story explores relationships, expectations and cultural tradition with humour and heart.

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following program may contain images and/or audio of deceased persons

Two people sit on a blanket in a grassy field with rolling hills in the background, one playing a guitar.

ROUND UP (1995)

Directed and written by Rima Tamou I Produced by Pauline Clague I Core Films

Two stockmen, Desi and Hugo, find themselves caught in a bitter racial conflict that turns violent. Removed from Country and placed in an unfamiliar city environment, they are forced to confront their own prejudices and reconsider what separates them. A powerful story of tension, reflection and the possibility of understanding. Featuring Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts.

Man in denim and a black hat sits on the ground against a stone wall, looking contemplative.

MY COLOUR, YOUR KIND (1998)

Directed and written by Danielle Maclean I CAAMA Productions

A young Aboriginal girl with albinism navigates identity and belonging between two worlds. This moving story explores difference, isolation and the search for connection within family and community.

A person with wild, tousled hair sits contemplatively by a tree, their hands clasped and partially covered in dirt.
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