The Fringe Dwellers
The Fringe Dwellers is a 1986 film directed by Bruce Beresford, based on the 1961 novel The Fringe Dwellers by Western Australian author Nene Gare. The film is about a young Aboriginal girl who dreams of life beyond the family camp that sits on the fringe of white society.
The film is acclaimed as being the first Australian film featuring Indigenous actors in all the major roles. It achieved critical and international success when it was released in 1986, but gained only a lukewarm reception in Australia.Cast
- Justine Saunders as Mollie Comeaway
- Kristina Nehm as Trilby Comeaway
- Kylie Belling as Noonah Comeaway
- Bob Maza as Joe Comeaway
- Denis Walker as Bartie Comeaway
- Ernie Dingo as Phil
- Oodgeroo Noonuccal as Eva
- Marlene Bell as Hannah
- Malcolm Silva as Charlie
- Michele Miles as Blanchie
- Michelle Torres as Audrena
- Lisa-Jane Stockwell as Matron
- Gordon Beitzel as the Publican
Production
Beresford had been interested in making a film from the novel since he read it in the mid 1970s, buying his copy at a second-hand book shop in London. Funding was difficult to raise but eventually was done through the Australian Film Commission and Queensland Film Corporation.Awards
The film was nominated for seven AFI Awards and won for the Best Adapted Screenplay. It was also entered into the 1986 Cannes Film Festival. Some Aboriginal activists walked out of the screening at Cannes.Box office
The Fringe Dwellers grossed $174,433 at the box office in Australia.
