Warwick Thornton Discusses His Film 'Wolfram' at Berlinale

Warwick Thornton, an acclaimed director, discussed his latest film, 'Wolfram', at the Berlinale film festival in February. He expressed a unique perspective on working with actors, stating, "I have an actor phobia. " Thornton emphasized the importance of a strong script that allows for a shared understanding between him and the actors.

During the festival, Thornton reflected on the political nature of his presence and work. He stated, "Just me being here and walking around is a political statement! My people were colonised. " This statement highlights his commitment to addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization in his films.

Thornton's film 'Wolfram' is set in the same region as his earlier work, 'Sweet Country', and focuses on themes of Indigenous dispossession and exploitation. He noted that while 'Sweet Country' portrayed male conflicts, 'Wolfram' shifts its focus to women's experiences.

He described the film's setting and narrative, which includes characters like Pansy, who leaves signs for her children as she searches for them.

The film features a cast that includes Erroll Shand, who plays a character named Casey. Thornton mentioned that Shand requested a song to inspire his character, leading to a deeper exploration of the character's motivations. Thornton's approach to filmmaking emphasizes authenticity and a desire to tell stories that resonate with Indigenous experiences.

Thornton also expressed his views on sequels, stating, "There are lots of those. " He prefers to create original narratives that reflect the complexities of life and identity. 'Wolfram' is positioned as a response to the themes explored in 'Sweet Country', aiming to provide a different perspective on Indigenous storytelling.

Overall, Thornton's insights at the Berlinale reflect his dedication to addressing significant social issues through cinema, while also navigating the challenges of the film industry and audience expectations.