Search The Archive

Search the film archive

The fans knew him as the "black Mick Jagger". His band kick-started Aboriginal rock, releasing the first ever Aboriginal-language rock songs in the mainstream. His name was George Rrurrambu and this is his story.

Back in 1981 George Rrurrambu and his Warumpi Band burst out of the Northern Territory's red heart and straight into Australian rock history. Unashamedly political and driven by the fight for Indigenous rights, they fused rock 'n' roll, reggae and blues, releasing Australia's first mainstream rock sung in an Indigenous language and simultaneously exposing Australians to a part of their country that most simply ignored.

Australia's premier Indigenous documentarian, Steven McGregor (Croker Island Exodus, MIFF 2012), returns with this powerful, incisive portrait of a man who changed the face of Australian music - and of Aboriginal history. Mixing never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with those who were along for the ride, Big Name No Blanket is the essential tribute to the man whose music has provided a soundtrack for the modern reconciliation movement.

Steven McGregor, producers Lisa Watts and Rachel Clements, and musicians Neil Murray, Shane Howard and Bart Willoughby will be in attendance.

D Steven McGregor P Rachel Clements, Lisa Watts S Lisa Watts, Steven McGregor Dist Night Sky Films TD DCP/2013