In My Blood it Runs: July 26, 2019

Maya Newell is an Australian director visiting NZ as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival. Her film, In My Blood it Runs follows the story of a young aboriginal boy Dujuan - a child-healer, a good hunter and fluent in three languages. And yet, at school, the teachers say he is failing as his strength and talents go unnoticed. He is also facing increasing scrutiny from welfare and police in a climate that saw proof of torture occurring in a youth detention facility in Don Dale. The film is made in collaboration with Dujuan's family as he navigates an education system that is set up for him to fail. Lillian Hanly spoke with director Maya Newell and started by asking her to describe the film.