BEST MICRO SHORT FILM

Ngadjuri Spirit And Songs Of Country

Quenten Agius, Kim Mavromatis | 2024 | 3m | Australia | Documentary, South Australian

The meaning of being Aboriginal, the first people of country. A film collaboration between Quenten Agius (Aboriginal storyteller) and Kim Mavromatis (mixed media producer). Filmed on Ngadjuri country, Mid North and Southern Flinders Ranges region of South Australia. The film incorporates 10 years of archival material, shot with 8 different cameras, including 3 drones and a mobile phone camera.

Credits

Director & Producer
Quenten Agius
Kim Mavromatis

Writer
Kim Mavromatis

Cast
Quenten Agius

Review

Written by Jack McKenzie
Flinders University Bachelor of Creative Industries (Film and Television) Student

Ngadjuri Spirit and Songs of Country, directed by Quentin Agius and Kim Mavromatis, is a moving and visually striking short documentary that honours Aboriginal identity, culture, and connection to land with grace and authenticity. Winner of Best Micro Short, the film achieves an impressive depth of emotion and meaning within its brief runtime, serving as both a work of art and an act of cultural preservation.

Filmed across Ngadjuri Country in South Australia’s Mid North and Southern Flinders Ranges, the short blends ten years of archival material with breathtaking new footage. The sweeping drone shots are especially striking, revealing the grandeur of the lands while conveying a deep spiritual reverence. Each frame radiates respect for Country and for the stories that live within it.

Agius and Marvomatis’ direction shines through the film’s gentle rhythm and heartfelt tone. The narration and sound design work harmoniously to create an immersive experience, one that feels more like being guided than merely watching. It invites viewers not only to witness but to listen, feel, and reflect on what it truly means to belong to Country.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its sincerity. It never overstates its message, instead letting the land, people, and music speak for themselves. The result is a deeply spiritual viewing experience that celebrates the enduring presence and wisdom of the Ngadjuri people. While the film’s achival integration is effective, a clearer narrative thread or contextual introduction could strengthen its emotional impact for audiences unfamiliar with Ngadjuri history. Ngadjuri Spirit and Songs of Country is a heartfelt and visually stunning celebration of heritage, belonging, and eternal dialogue between people and place.