It's a story of love, loss, family, identity and the pains of growing up in two worlds.
Kindred, is a deeply personal, feature-length documentary that follows close friends, both Aboriginal, who were adopted by white families and traced back their bloodlines to reconnect with their families.
The friends, Adrian Russell Wills and Gillian Moody came together to write and direct it, 25 years on from making their very first film together.
Wills known for Redfern Now and Wentworth, and Gillian Moody of Family Rules and Black Divaz filmed across the country, using archival footage, and candid interviews from their family and themselves to construct the film which prods their identity, culture and belonging alongside experiences of racism and trauma.
“We invite you into our story of friendship and the bond that brought us together, being adopted. Kindred explores what it feels like living in two worlds, one black and one white," the pair said.
It looks at the importance of discovering your place in the world and realising that home and love can truly be found in the people and places your heart connects to.
"Kindred comes from our hearts and the generous hearts of many in our family. We hope you enjoy it.”
The 90-minute documentary will premiere on NITV and SBS On Demand on June 2, marking National Reconciliation Week.
“We’re thrilled to share this incredible documentary from Adrian and Gillian, which shares a story that many Indigenous peoples can relate to. We hope that the powerful messages shared in Kindred connect with all Australian audiences, particularly during National Reconciliation Week, a time of reflection and learning," said Marissa McDowell, a proud Wiradyuri woman and NITV's Head of Commissions.
Kindred is a Kalori Productions for NITV, and received production investment from Screen Australia's First Nations Department in association with Screen NSW.
"Kindred filmmakers, Gillian Moody and Adrian Wills have crafted a moving documentary that invites audiences to embark on their deeply personal journey of discovering their place in the world," Angela Bates, Head of First Nations at Screen Australia said.
"Through their lens, we witness the strength of friendship, unconditional love, the power of cultural connection, and identity."
Ms Bates said the organisation was "incredibly proud" to support the pair in telling their story "the way they wanted to, and for Australian audiences to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations experiences".
Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth noted that the film provides an important opportunity for audiences to "examine and reflect on our nation’s history".
Kindred will premier on Sunday, June 2, at 8.30pm on NITV. It will be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand, with captions available in English and subtitles in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. The documentary will also be available with audio description for blind and low vision audiences.
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