Like My Brother

Captured over seven-years through the Northern Territory and Victoria, Like My Brother is a profound coming-of-age documentary.

It delves into the heartfelt journey of four ambitious women from Tiwi Islands. This story showcases Rina, Freda, Juliana, and Jess as they step beyond the comforts of their tight-knit community with aspirations of playing in the Australian Football League Womens (AFLW).

They soon discover that nothing about this pursuit will be easy as they each navigate the barriers of urban modernity. These include, most significantly, the hardship of leaving loved ones and the strain of distance and homesickness.

Like My Brother marks the directorial debut of the creative duo Sal Balharrie and Danielle MacLean, a Luritja and Warumungu filmmaker who previously directed an entry in the anthology film We Are Still Here (MIFF 2022) and has written for Mystery Road.

This documentary transcends the genre by weaving universal themes of kinship, aspiration, and sacrifice through the lens of sport. Like My Brother is an inspiring film that will open viewers’ eyes not just to life in the Tiwi Islands but also to the resilience required to find success as an outsider.  

Red Dust was fortunate to collaborate on the project by providing mentor supports and travel assistance as part of the Strong Young Women’s Program. Red Dust was proud to support the Tiwi women’s travel while representing Like My Brother at the Melbourne International Film festival for the film’s world premiere.

Join us in the celebration of courage, community, and the love of the game with Like My Brother now to showing at select cinemas. Don't miss the opportunity to witness a narrative that's as powerful and passionate as the game itself.

Watch the trailer for Like My Brother here.

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Acknowledgements

A big thank you goes to:  

  • Mamanta  
  • Sal Balharrie
  • Danielle MacLean
  • Tictac
  • Rina, Freda, Juliana, and Jess