Watch The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith

The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith is a powerful and thought-provoking film from director Fred Schepisi that explores themes of racism, identity, and violence in Australia's colonial history. The film follows the story of Jimmie Blacksmith (Tommy Lewis), a young half-Aboriginal, half-white man who is forced to confront the racist attitudes and structures that dominate Australian society in the late 19th century. Jimmie initially finds work as a laborer on a remote farm, but is quickly subjected to brutal treatment and abuse by his white employers and their guests. This mistreatment pushes Jimmie to a breaking point, and he begins to plot his revenge against those who have wronged him.

As Jimmie's situation becomes more desperate, he is forced to confront the limitations of his own identity and the difficulty of navigating a society that views him as an outsider. His struggles take on a larger significance as they become emblematic of the violence and oppression faced by Aboriginal people throughout Australian history.

At its core, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith is a deeply human story that wrestles with some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary Australia. Through its compelling narrative and powerful performances, the film offers a searing condemnation of the injustices of the past while also pointing the way towards a more just and equitable future.