Nia’s Melancholy

Sio Tusafa'aaefili | Australia 2009 | 11 min

Nia’s sister has killed herself and left a big hole in the family structure, making it difficult for Nia to cope.

Nia dreams of becoming a nurse in the ‘big smoke’ of Perth. Nia’s Melancholy shows her falling asleep in the forest where she wakes up crying, finding her own sadness about the loss.

Eventually Nia finds the courage to leave her family and take the bus to Perth. Looking back she sees her dead sister waving farewell…

Behind the scenes: The Smoking Ceremony

Here is an interesting behind-the-scenes story from the Nia’s Melancholy site.

“It was important for the writer/director and the Kuku Yalanji Community at Mossman Gorge, where we shot the film, to be welcomed to their country in a smoking ceremony that would also keep away any bad spirits and accidents to all of our cast and crew.

“This ceremony took place the day before filming began and it was a very spiritual experience for everybody as most of our crew were from urban parts of Australia or overseas. The comforting words of the Elders protected us effectively during the whole week of production, as no accident or major delays were experienced and we enjoyed perfect weather conditions.

“However, the day after we wrapped and left Mossman, the area was flooded with torrential rain that would have kept us from filming.”

Cast	Tasia Zalar - Nia Rachael Maza Long - Nana Kyas Sherriff - Nia's mother Naomi Bowly - Lania
Release dates	8 May 2009 - Australia (world premiere, Message Sticks Indigenous Film Festival, Sydney)
Video/DVD Release Date
Awards
Rating	PG - Parental guidance
Language level	easy
Distributor	Flickerfest
Soundtrack
Genre	Drama
Notes	Nia’s Melancholy is based on a real story. Website: www.niasmelancholy.com Sio F. Tusafa’aaefili is a filmmaker of Torres Strait Island and Samoan descent.
Find this movie	Indigenous film suppliers and distributors Find Nia’s Melancholy with Google