The OC - 'Pride Within'
Desert Pea Media is very proud to announce the second release from the 'Break It Down' project series, straight outta Orange, NSW.
This campaign was developed to create awareness and conversation about well-being and mental health for Indigenous young people in Western NSW. The program was designed to create inter-generational dialogue around community, culture and identity and to break down some of the stigmas attached to mental health.
This production was created in February 2018 via a 5 day Desert Pea Media storytelling workshop. Co-written by, and starring an incredibly talented group of young Indigenous people - with support from local community members, local High School staff and the DPM crew.
Desert Pea Media projects involve a dialogue-based storytelling process that encouraged participants to analyze 'the real', 'the ideal' and 'the bridge'. In simple terms this means critically thinking about how to create positive change for yourself, for each other and for our communities.
The project was funded by the good people at Western NSW Primary Health network.
'Pride Within' is an affirmation of resilience, strength and positivity - it's celebration of family and cultural connection and also a commentary on the multi-layered social issues that affect Indigenous young people in Western NSW.
In a context where mental health is at crisis point for young Indigenous Australians, and the pressures of living in two worlds are bigger than ever, Pride WITHIN wants to remind us of the irrepressible spirituality that flows through First Nations people, and the inherent strength and resilience that can carry us into a positive future.
This project featured the expert musical direction and production of DPM producer Josh Nicholas (aka Hazy) who has produced music for all 'Break It Down' productions. We thank you brother for you vision and hard work.
Special thanks to Katrina Hausia & Jason French from Orange City Council, to Jacob & Tahlia Sutherland, to Aunty Alice Williams, to The Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, and the all of the talented and deadly young people that participated in the project.
Respect and gratitude to all the Wiradjuri people. Big love to all you mob, and thanks again for having us on country once again. We say yindyamarra.
LYRICS
Over the mountains, West of the map
Many many nations made this track
Wiradjuri land before first contact
Now rockin’ fresh kicks and snapback cap
We journeyed here from the Central West
We’ve come a long way, now be my guest
So join me fam and take my hand
Still standing strong on Wiradjuri land
Many many scales of healthy mental
Anxious, hopeless, Western Central
Positive choice is fundamental
If you gunna realize your full potential
Theft, stealing and burning cars
In front of the rhyme not behind the bars
See drugs, alcohol, gungies, sirens
We need to put an end to domestic violence
Ain’t no stoppin’ this
The OC droppin’ this
Spitting fire off the top of Mount Canobolis
No matter where you going
No matter where you been
I feel safe with my family beside me
And this pride within
Lack of pride, lack of connectedness
Tell me now, you mob, are you gettin’ this?
OC tryin to find our identity
Drop the mic, now none can step to this
Pick the mic up, find some direction
Our Culture’s all about my connection
No more suicide, youth detention
This colourful town far from perfection
Wello to Cowra, Dubbo to Parkes
Pilliga to Walgett, makin’ our mark
Naming the places where we’re from?
We stand here proud and we stand here strong
Passin’ the spark, gotta set the standard
If you don’t ask, won’t get the answer
Coz it’s ok when you ask for help
Heaps easier than tryin’ to do it yourself
CO-WRITTEN BY AND STARRING
Jacob Sutherland
Atahlia Sutherland
Marley McLean
Naomi Crossley
Jessie Furner
Rikeisha Ah-See
Joanne Wright
Jordyn Wright
Jarred Leece
Jazzael Kind
Bluede Bates
Rangi Smith
Jada Lee
Lachlan Crook
Ryan Downie
Jy Lawrence- Lyall
Timia Beetson
Caleb Sutherland
CREDITS
Toby Finlayson - Director/ Writer/ DOP/ Editor
Josh Nicholas - Music Producer/ Music Director/ Facilitator
Nicky Akehurst - Second Camera/ Prod Coordinator/ Photographer
Lorenz Pritchard - Co-Writer/ Facilitator
Warren Roberts - Facilitator
David Nicholas - Audio Mixing
Roy Weiland - Color Grading/ Motion Graphics
Mitch O'Hearn - Drone Pilot/ 2nd Camera
Tony Mantz - Audio Mastering
Jules Lawson - Producer / DPM Business Manager
Kylee Ingram - Project Manager
Rachel Rowe - Producer