Connecting Story, Culture, and Community
Film Project 1
Magic Lands
Ngarram: Where Two Worlds Collide
A story of survival, resistance, love, and the silent war for Country.
Feature Film: Period Drama, MA 15+
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Film Treatment
The film treatment for Magic Lands: Ngarram – Where Two Worlds Collide was created in collaboration with First Nations and local communities, offering an early glimpse into the cinematic world of MLA’s first major community project.
Alongside the teaser, three independent short films were also produced in collaboration with First Nations communities, without external funding, as part of the creative, cultural, and storytelling journey that continues to inform the development of the feature film.
Project Highlights
10+ years development
6+ years First Nations collaboration
800+ educational articles
3 Short films completed
Feature film in pre-production
Long-term education and cultural legacy platform released early
The Story for Screen
Based on a true story from Mrs Mary Clarke, 1979, Framlingham Mission.
Synopsis: In the early 1800s in southern Australia, British convict William Buckley, on the run from a Crown penal colony, is discovered months later unconscious at a sacred burial ground by a Wadawurrung family. Believed to have returned from Ngarram — the Sky Realm of Ancestors — he is taken in and accepted as family.
For decades, Buckley lived within Wadawurrung lore, learning language, seasonal cycles, and a deep spiritual connection to the land and its animals. He later meets Purra, a young woman fleeing an arranged marriage, whose defiance and spirit unsettle both custom and fate. Their bond grows in secrecy, crossing boundaries neither fully understands.
In 1835, Buckley’s past returns as settlers arrive claiming land, and Purra’s family takes her back due to lore of the land and in preparation for what is coming.
As invasion spreads across Kulin Country and the settlements of Melbourne and Geelong are established, Buckley and Purra are torn between worlds, each fighting for survival as a silent war unfolds across the frontier.
Presented by
Magic Lands Alliance
RooH Productions
Registars
MLA brings together Elders, First Nations communities, local communities, filmmakers, artists, educators, and consultants to produce historical film projects, develop Indigenous-collaborative cultural infrastructure, and deliver educational initiatives and research that create lasting cultural, social, and on-Country impact.
Magic Lands Interview 28/05/2026. - Pulse 94.7 fm
Meet the Creators
First Nations Collaboration
Developed since 2016 through archival research, oral histories, and collaboration and consultations with First Nations communities across Victoria and Tasmania, the film presents early nineteenth-century southern Australia through both Indigenous and settler perspectives.
With cultural authority and consent, the project seeks to portray this era with culture authenticity while contributing to a deeper understanding of Australia’s shared history.
Indigenous Culture Consultations on Set (2024)
Film Consultations at Wurdi Youang on Wadawurrung Land
Screen Anchored Infrastructure
Traditional hut construction and cultural infrastructure will be established on Country as part of the film production, creating lasting cultural assets through collaboration with Traditional Owners, First Nations consultants, and artists.
Education & Legacy
Through film, research, Indigenous collaboration, and cultural tourism, Magic Lands Alliance develops educational resources, cultural initiatives, and on-Country infrastructure designed to create long-term social, cultural, educational, and community impact.
Educational Resources - Project 1
Support
Join the journey of bringing history, culture, and storytelling to screen, while helping create and build educational, tourism, and cultural legacy on Country.
PHILANTHROPY• SPONSORSHIP • ALLIANCE MEMBERS • CONTRIBUTE
Why Now?
Growing focus on truth-telling and First Peoples’ history.
Rising demand for Indigenous-led education and cultural tourism.
Long-term cultural and community infrastructure opportunities.
A unique convergence of film, culture, Country, and legacy.
First Nations & Community Support
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative Members, Artists and Traditional Owners
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Artists and Members
Boonwurrung Sea and Land Council Traditional Owners and Members
Eastern Maar Community Traditional Owners and Members
Gudjitmara Community Traditional Owners and Members
Yorta Yorta Community Members and Traditional Owners
Torres Strait Island Community Members and Traditional Owners
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Traditional Owners and Members
Taungurung Traditional Owners and Community Members
Steiglitz Community Members
Mount Rothwell Conservation and Reserve
Barwon Coast Council
City of Greater Geelong
Surf Riders Foundation Australia - Torquay
Ron Ellis and the Granites Property, Anakie.
Golden Plains Shire Council
Parks Victoria
Bass Coast Council
Australian Marine Conservation Society
Become Part of the Story
Help create lasting outcomes through film, education, culture and community engagement.