The House-Opening
When Geraldine Kawanka’s husband died, she and her children left their house at Aurukun on Cape York Peninsula. In earlier times a bark house would have been burnt, but today a ‘house-opening’ ceremony — creatively mingling Aboriginal, Torres Strait and European elements — has evolved to deal with death in the midst of new living patterns. Although sometimes suggesting a party, its underlying purpose is serious. This film records the opening of the house and Geraldine’s feelings about it in her informative and personal commentary.
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- —
- Box office
- —
- Language
- EN
Behind the camera
Director
Produced in
Australia
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Release dates
AustraliaAU
- Premiere1 Jan 1980
Frequently asked questions
The House-Opening was released on 1 January 1980.
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