We Are Warriors, R/GA, Entropico and Garuwa’s ‘Through The Fire’ documentary marks world premiere in Sydney on Invasion Day

January 27 2023, 9:50 am | BY Ricki Green | 2 Comments

First Nations social enterprise We Are Warriors, R/GA, Entropico and Garuwa’s THROUGH THE FIRE marked its world premiere on Invasion Day (January 26, 2023), one of Australia’s most polarising days of the year. The documentary’s debut screening took place at The House of Blak Power, located at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.

Acknowledging that you can’t be what you can’t see and informed by proud Yuin artist, producer and radio host, Nooky’s own upbringing as a self-proclaimed Warrior, the documentary film is dedicated to inspiring, equipping and empowering Indigenous youth to succeed by connecting them with First Nations role models. The film THROUGH THE FIRE surfaces and harnesses the prolific power of Indigenous achievements across music, fashion, sport and beyond.

Says Nooky: “THROUGH THE FIRE is a piece of art that tells the story of a new age movement informed by a story as old as time, our black cockatoo story, which is significant to my birthplace Nowra. The story of the black cockatoo is a white cockatoo who sacrificed himself by flying through fire in order to help people. Going through the fire was painful and torturous, but he made it out on the other side. He didn’t give up, he sang the rain. Carrying the lessons and scars, which changed his coat from white to black, he is now a symbol of hope and selflessness. In its essence, it’s a tale of persistence, unwavering strength and resilience. I went through the fire and We Are Warriors is what I carried with me. Believe me when I tell you though this is just the beginning.”

Says Ben Miles, VP, executive creative director, brand design and consulting APAC at R/GA: “THROUGH THE FIRE unpacks the uncomfortable truths faced by First Nations people, but more importantly, it shifts the narrative and becomes an inspiring story of bravery, resilience and Blak excellence. The film is told through the lens of Nooky and our founding Warriors with a raw, fierce and empathetic tone — seamlessly blending the past and the present through contemporary storytelling and rap. It’s a reminder that against all odds, anything is possible. We hope it inspires Indigenous youth and reinforces that they too are Warriors.”

Says director Gabriel Gasparinatos: “It was a unique and exciting chance to partner with Nooky again and tell this part of his story. I hope we’ve created something that will connect with First Nations youth around the country, and continue to elevate those voices. Collaborating with talented creatives on a film like this, with Tyson, our crew, Entropico, R/GA and Garuwa was really special.”

On Invasion Day (January 26 2023), We Are Warriors invites all ages and backgrounds to a free evening of live music, contemporary and traditional dance, film, art and panel discussions, as Blak Powerhouse turns a day known for great loss and sorrow into one of power and positivity from an inclusive space.

Marking its first anniversary in 2023, as a co-created, purpose-driven company, We Are Warriors continues to celebrate the far-reaching potential of Blak excellence and connection to role models in shaping the futures of First Nations youth. It supports and invests in the next generation of leaders by providing them with access to a wide range of workshops as well as mentorship programmes.

Watch the trailer here.

THROUGH THE FIRE is executive produced by Nooky of We Are Warriors, Ben Miles, VP, executive creative director, brand design and consulting APAC at R/GA, and Seamus Higgins, Former VP, CCO, R/GA. Directed by Gabriel Gasparinatos and produced by Erin Moy. It is an Entropico production in collaboration with Garuwa. With support from Rare by Google, Adobe JD Sports and Heaps Normal.

Client: We Are Warriors
Founder: Nooky AKA Corey Webster
Creative Agency: R/GA
VP, Executive Creative Director, Brand Design & Consulting, APAC: Ben Miles
VP, CCO: Seamus Higgins
Senior Producer: Joel Stevens
Design Director: Henry Cook
Visual Designers: Ryan Winter + Louis Johanson
Copywriter: Leila Khoshoie
Senior Strategist: Georgia Doust
Senior Experience Designer: Johnny Cole
Technology Lead: Mike King
SVP, Managing Director: Michael Titshall
Director of Marketing & Communications: Kate Neill

Production Companies: Entropico & Garuwa
Directors: Gabriel Gasparinatos, Nooky & Kieran Satour
Stills: Evo & Rob Hockey
Executive Producer: Kieran Satour
Producers: Erin Moy & Sophia de Vries
Cinematography: Tyson Perkins
Additional cinematography: Grégoire Lière
Camera Assistant: Dan Abbot
Steadicam: Max McLachlan
Gaffer: Tom Keyes
Editor: Jodie Williams
Colourist: Matt Fezz
Music: Nooky
Sound Design & Mix: Rowan Dix
Studio location courtesy of Entropico
Camera and lighting package courtesy of The Front