AUSTRALIA – TWH Australian correspondent Josephine Winter recently caught up with director Helen Browning, to chat about the upcoming documentary about Paganism in Australia, “Under a Pagan Sky.”
Filmed over three years, the film follows featured practitioners from two of the most popular traditions in Australia, eclectic witchcraft and druidry. The filmmakers worked with different Pagan groups and events across Australia.
TWH: Tell us a bit about the project and what made you decide to make a film about Paganism in Australia?
The project is a one-hour documentary, Under a Pagan Sky, which focuses on the unique experiences of Druids and Wiccans practising in Australia. And there is a half-hour program for ABC Compass, Pagans Down Under, which is cut differently for a television audience.
The film is co-produced with James Bradley, Nirvana Films, and the executive producer is Rachel Clements, Brindle Films. We wanted to create a program that provided a more informed point of view than many of the sensationalised pieces produced over the years.
Personally, I like to make films that expand my understanding and experience of life, and that appreciate and honour the natural world. So Paganism and Australian practitioners’ unique experiences piqued my interest back in 2017 and led to a thoroughly enjoyable 3 or so years immersed in the project.
Bilawara Lee, Larrakia Elder, conducting a smoking ceremony at the Goddess Conference – courtesy of “Under a Pagan Sky.”
TWH: How did you go about making a film about something as niche as Pagan practices in a country as big as Australia?
We focussed on just a few people’s experience and stories, rather than try to tell the whole story. When I completed the rough cut it was nearly 80 minutes long, as I was trying to jam in as much information about Paganism as I could. Fortunately, our co-producer James Bradley gave detailed notes about the scenes that veered too off course from the central characters.
In terms of finding participants, during the research and development stage I contacted various people and groups cross Australia. Some declined to be involved due to concerns around discrimination at their place of employment. Others, quite understandably, responded that they would rather keep their spiritual practices private. Things slowly fell into place around a few individuals and groups who were brave and generous in sharing their experiences and stories on camera. Everyone involved, without exception, was a real pleasure to meet and collaborate with on the film.
TWH: Did you notice a difference in what Paganism looks like in different parts of the country?
Yes, I did some reading on that topic during the research stage and Julie Brett, Druids Down Under, explained a lot about the distinct seasonal and environmental differences even between North Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Darwin, where I live, has seven main seasons, as we’ve learned from the Larrakia people. So yes, it’s a vast country and it’s beautiful how Pagans are celebrating and honouring what’s unique and special in their local areas.
TWH: Portrayals of Paganism as a set of religious beliefs are often hit-and-miss in mainstream media. What steps did you take to ensure this is a genuine portrayal and avoids some of the stereotypes out there?
I did a lot of reading and I have a lot more reading to do! We had the brilliant academics Douglas Ezzy and Caroline Tully on board, and they are both founts of knowledge on Paganism. To a large degree, the participants steered the content in terms of what they shared on camera.
Cerri Lee and Damh the Bard, Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids, at the English Ale (Adelaide Hills, AUS) – courtesy of UAPS
TWH: The film is set to be shown on ABCtv this weekend. Why is mainstream media coverage important for Paganism?
I’m not sure if it’s important for Paganism, however, I hope for those involved in the film, and others who see their experiences represented on screen, that it will be a positive and inspiring experience.
TWH: What do you hope non-Pagan viewers will get out of this film?
I hope that it will create greater awareness and understanding of nature-based spirituality, particularly at this critical time for our planet.
TWH: What did you learn from your time in Australia’s Pagan community?
I think the power of rituals, small or grand, as catalysts for personal change was the main thing that hit home.
TWH: What do you think makes Australian Paganism unique?
The seasons, the lands and seas and skies, and all the flora and fauna amongst which Australian Paganism is practiced make it unique. Nowhere else is Paganism practiced in Aboriginal Australian country and so there are implications for how Pagans here go about their practices respectfully. And the people I met seemed very sensitive and respectful of the local Aboriginal traditional owners as well as keen to create rituals in tune with their surroundings.
Pagan family ritual ~ Lisa-Jane Mason and her daughters (Wollongong, AUS) – courtesy of UAPS
TWH: How can our readers – both in Australia and overseas – view and support your work?
For readers in Perth, Australia, the one-hour version of Under a Pagan Sky is screening at the Revelation Perth International Film Festival on 2, 3 and 11 July. And further screenings around Australia will be posted to the Facebook page, Under a Pagan Sky.
For readers outside of Australia, the film is distributed by Flame. We should have some broadcast dates later in the year. The best way to keep informed of any upcoming screenings on television or at international film festivals is to follow the film’s Facebook page, Under a Pagan Sky.
We hope you enjoy the film!
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