Project 1
MAGIC LANDS
Purra and Buckley’s Chance
A story of survival, resistance, love, and the silent war for Country.
Feature Film Genre: Period Drama, MA 15+
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The Alliance
Magic Lands Alliance (MLA) develops historical film productions, Indigenous-collaborative cultural infrastructure, and educational resources designed to create enduring social, cultural, and on-Country impact.
Teaser
Created through Indigenous collaboration and community support, the teaser offers an early glimpse into the cinematic world of our first community project, Magic Lands – Purra and Buckley’s Chance. Alongside the teaser, three independent short films were produced with no budget as part of the creative journey towards the feature film.
First Project Story
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.
Meet the Creators
Indigenous Collaboration
Truth Through Film
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 created on Country through collaboration with Traditional Owners, First Nations consultants, and artists during production.
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 lasting educational, tourism, and cultural legacy on Country.
PHILANTHROPY• SPONSORSHIP • ALLIANCE MEMBERS • CONTRIBUTE
Progress
Screenplay and historical research completed
Cultural permissions and partnerships established
700+ educational resources released online
Financing, casting, artist attachments, and pre-production underway
International distribution and education rollout in development
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
Acknowledgement
MLA and our producers acknowledge the Traditional Owners, Custodians, and First Nations communities across Australia and internationally. We respect their continued connection to the sky, land, waters, language and culture. We pay our respects to the First Peoples language groups, communities, and Elders - past, present, and emerging that continue to be impacted by colonisation and any harm caused in recreating our historically based true stories to create social awareness worldwide.
Indigenous Production Protocol
Respect, protect, educate, and build social and moral awareness around Indigenous culture and Australian and international history.
To protect and gain consent/permissions from communities, traditional owners, and elders around Indigenous culture, oral stories, characters, costumes, language and artefacts, etc., shown in film productions and educational material.
To collaborate with Indigenous and contemporary communities where the story's subject content is located and create educational content that protects heritage and creates infrastructure, employment, and business opportunities in the area.