FLAGSHIP PROJECT
Cultural Collaboration & Infrastructure
Magic Lands: Ngarram — Where Two Worlds Collide is a historical period drama set in early nineteenth-century southern Australia and the flagship project of Magic Lands Alliance. The film is part of a wider initiative connecting First Nations collaboration with cultural infrastructure, education, tourism and lasting community outcomes.
Explore the film: Magic Lands: Ngarram — Where Two Worlds Collide
Based from a true story by Mrs Mary Clarke, 1979, Framlingham Mission.
What MLA Does
Magic Lands Alliance coordinates the project’s cultural collaboration and works with partners to develop the infrastructure, education and tourism opportunities connected to it.
The film’s producers and production entity are responsible for the overall film production and delivery. MLA’s role is to connect the production with cultural collaboration and potential long-term outcomes for communities.
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.
Film Sets That Stay
Most film sets disappear when production ends. Ours are designed to create something more.
Screen Anchored Infrastructure
Magic Lands Alliance is working with Traditional Owners, First Nations consultants, artists and project partners to develop traditional dwellings, cultural structures and historical environments for the film production. Selected sets and structures may be retained or adapted after filming for cultural, educational, tourism and community use, subject to cultural guidance, community agreement and relevant approvals.
These places can help connect stories and learning with Country, Culture and history beyond the production.
EXPLORE CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Education & Legacy
Research developed through the project can inform educational articles, film and digital content, learning resources and place-based experiences. MLA aims to connect historical storytelling with learning about First Nations knowledge, culture, Country and shared history.
Tourism & Visitor Experiences
From Screen to Place
Research for the project connects people, Country, Culture and history. MLA is exploring how selected locations, cultural infrastructure, historical environments and educational resources could support visitor experiences across regional Victoria—connecting visitors with places and landscapes associated with the stories.
Potential experiences include cultural and historical trails, interpretation, guided and on-Country experiences, educational excursions, exhibitions and digital storytelling.
These opportunities will be developed with relevant Traditional Owners, communities, landholders and regional partners, and are subject to cultural protocols, agreements and approvals.
Film, Digital & Education Production
Alongside principal photography MLA intends to capture additional material documenting the production process and, where appropriate, the knowledge and skills involved.
This could include:
Making the Huts
Creating the Historical Environments
Costume & Material Culture
Props & Traditional Technologies
Country & Landscape
Historical Research
First Nations Cultural Collaboration
Behind the Story
Cast & Creative Process
Making Ngarram
Lasting Community Outcomes
After filming, MLA works with communities and project partners to explore how agreed infrastructure, research and digital materials can support education and tourism. Opportunities may include learning resources, place-based education, cultural interpretation, visitor experiences and digital storytelling.
Future uses are developed with the relevant communities and partners, in line with cultural protocols, permissions and agreed plans.
Explore the film: Magic Lands: Ngarram — Where Two Worlds Collide
Explore: Education & Learning · Tourism & Visitor Experiences · Partnerships
First Nations and Community Collaboration
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
Dja Dja Jurrung 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
Peter Sharp and Steiglitz Tarnook Property
Murrangurk Property, Morrabool River, Golden Plains
Golden Plains Shire Council
Parks Victoria
Bass Coast Council
Australian Marine Conservation Society
