Motherhood is the transmission of wisdom across time and generations. “Motherhood in the Colony”, directed by Aseel Tayah and Genevieve Grieves, is a love letter to Indigenous mothers and the role they play in the survival and resilience of First Nations cultures. In post-referendum Australia, shaped by colonial violence and policies of erasure, ” Motherhood ...
GARUWA
Motherhood in the Colony: Solidarity with Indigenous Mothers

GOAL
$60,000
RAISED
$5,000
Field of Interest
- First Nations communities
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and people from CALD backgrounds

GARUWA is a First Nations led creative agency dedicated to the practice of intergenerational storytelling. We are a proudly diverse, intercultural group of creatives, unified by a shared passion for the power of imagination and a vision for change.
Founded by Worimi siblings Genevieve Grieves and Kieran Satour, First Nations knowledges and culture are central to GARUWA’s ways of being. Grounded in collaborative and holistic approaches we work ethically, respectfully and innovatively to share stories that make change and create a better future for generations to come.
Philanthropic funding raised for this film will be auspiced by Common Ground, a DGR1 endorsed charity.
Project Summary
Motherhood is the transmission of wisdom across time and generations.
“Motherhood in the Colony”, directed by Aseel Tayah and Genevieve Grieves, is a love letter to Indigenous mothers and the role they play in the survival and resilience of First Nations cultures.
In post-referendum Australia, shaped by colonial violence and policies of erasure, ” Motherhood in the Colony” facilitates an intimate cross-cultural exchange between eight First Nations and Palestinian women.
In response to the escalation of violence against Palestinian people in Gaza, celebrated Worimi filmmaker Genevieve Grieves and renowned Palestinian cultural activist, Aseel Tayah unravel stories of emancipatory care, shared struggles and resistance in envisioning a future beyond oppressive structures.
This groundbreaking solidarity project is not just about Palestinian and First Nations communities coming together – motherhood, or being mothered, is a shared global experience. The Voice referendum exposed the disconnection between migrant and First Nations communities. At a time when Australians are divided across cultural, social and political lines, Motherhood in the Colong forges new relationships in a healing space to nurture connections between disparate communities.
So far, our community of partners and supporters has generously contributed $36,500 to support the development of “Motherhood in the Colony”. We are seeking an additional $60,000 from the Australian Communities Foundation donor community and $40,000 from a private philanthropic foundation to enable us to complete the film.
The slide deck below provides a further information on the film project, including a timeline of the production, post-production and film screenings.
Project Outcomes
As a First Nations owned, values-led storytelling agency, GARUWA felt compelled to respond the escalation of conflict in Palestine that threatens our collective humanity and create "Motherhood in the Colony".
The project seizes a crucial moment to spotlight and call on the revoluntionary power of women in the face of systemic oppression. In a period marked by deaths of thousands of children, aid workers and journalists, this film offers a poignant and urgent exploration of ongoing colonial violence and its current escalation in Palestine. As global tensions rise and colonial legacies persist, the film not only humanises these struggles but also will serve as a catalyst for policy change. By amplifying the voices of those who confront injustice daily, "Motherhood in the Colony" provides a timely, impactful narrative aimed at shifting public perception, inspiring action and driving meaningful reform.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $136,500
FUNDING
Funding source | Amount |
---|---|
GARUWA Community Fundraising & Partners (confirmed) | $36,500 |
Private philanthropy (unconfirmed) | $40,000 |
Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $60,000 |
EXPENSES
Expense item | Amount |
---|---|
Film Production | $65,500 |
Post Production | $71,000 |
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