SYNOPSIS

Nia’s Melancholy is the story of a young Yalanji girl, Nia, set in beautiful tropical North Queensland, Australia. After her sister’s suicide, Nia finds solace retreating into the recesses of her mind. In mourning Nia escapes the confines of home life and finds herself drawn perilously into the rainforest. Losing herself in the seductive environment, Nia’s Melancholy is an Indigenous girl’s spiritual journey and tale of redemption.

 

 

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

“In Indigenous communities, the rates of suicide, and especially of teenage suicide, are some of the highest in the world. It’s an issue not often discussed in the broader communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Why are so many of our young ones turning to this? Nia's Melancholy is conjured from feelings of powerlessness that the director himself felt when the issue effected his own family. Communicating, talking, sharing with family and friends is a step in the right direction. I felt that the creation of Nia’s Melancholy (the film) was a positive step for many in the cast and crew. During the production, discussions were held with many crew members directly affected by suicide, that led to a better understanding and helped many in their mourning process. I hope that discussions can arise from audiences watching Nia’s Melancholy, especially amongst our young people.

“Nia’s journey is also a reflection on grief and mourning, this fight that we all have within ourselves when losing a loved one whether to suicide, sickness, accident or any other circumstances. How do you survive when your heart is torn apart by the loss of a loved one? I myself don't know the answers, but the hope that Nia gives us at the end of her journey and the painful process that she lives through in order to accept that hope, to me, proves that we aren’t powerless.

“I wanted to give hope for our youth, not barring our adults. I hope this film helps to make a difference.“

S. F. Tusa, Writer/Director