Kanyini is a 2006 Australian documentary film, created by Uncle Bob Randall. Randall's dream was to create a film that supported his Kanyini teachings and he approached Melanie Hogan to produce it with him. Hogan directed, filmed and edited the film with the help of Martin Lee whose filming of Randall's interview made the core thread of the story.
The film explores the Kanyini philosophy and the life of Bob Randall, a Yankunytjatjara elder, songman and storyteller who lived in Mutitjulu, a small Aboriginal community next to Uluru, in Central Australia. Bob Randall was a 'Tjilpi' (special teaching uncle) of the Yankunytjatjara people and a member of the Stolen Generations.
Overview In Kanyini, Randall shares his knowledge of Anangu wisdom, stories of his personal journey and he explores some of the reasons behind the struggles of Aboriginal Australians in modern Australia. Randall explains that when European Australians came to Australia, they broke the four Kanyini Principles that were an integral part of Anangu life.
Randall states that:
Tjuukurpa was broken when Europeans imposed their law on the Anangu, Ngura was broken when Aboriginal people were forced to move away from their traditional lands, Walytja was broken when the children of Randall's generation were removed from their family as part of the Stolen Generations Kurunpa was broken when Aboriginal spirituality was replaced with Christianity.
In explaining the loss of his Kurunpa, Randall notes the disconnect between the teachings of the Bible and the actions of the white men who professed them.
Kanyini Principles Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word meaning interconnectedness; caring, support, nurturing, and responsibility.
The four principles of Kanyini are:
Ngura A sense of belonging to home and land.
Walytja Family connecting with life.
Kurunpa Love, spirit or soul.
Tjuukurpa The belief about creation and the right way to live.
Awards Ceremony Category Result Discovery Channel Awards Best Documentary Independent Film National Film and Sound Archive Awards Independent Spirit Independent Film
See also Kanyini
References
External links Melanie Hogan Official Site Official Site The Yarnup program ABC At the Movies review ninemsn Sunday review Sydney Film Festival Interview with Melanie Hogan