PAW Media to make Emu Jukurrpa interactive DVD

13 June 2013

PAW Media is excited to embark on a new multimedia project, sharing Emu Jukurrpa stories through an interactive DVD format. 

The project has just recieved funding through the Your Community Heritage Program, awarded by the Australian Government's Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

PAW Media plans to preserve heritage through an innovative, user-friendly format that combines elements of story-telling, gaming and 3D animation.

The Emu Jukurrpa (Dreaming) is one of the most important and far-reaching songlines that connects Anmatjere, Warlpiri and other language groups in Central Australia. It is a unifying story and one that Jack Jangala Cook, an Anmatjere traditional owner, wants to share with future generations. Jangala particularly hopes to engage Anmatjere and Warlpiri youth who have less connection with their culture.

The DVD will feature Jack visiting key Emu Dreaming sites and narrating the Jukurrpa stories with English subtitles. The new media format, similar to computer gaming, will combine interactive elements to engage users with traditional stories about the land. Users will be able to "fly" across country by clicking on key sites to hear Jack singing traditional songs and access information about bush-tucker and traditions referred to in the story. The series of parables contain vital messages about how to care for country and local resources.

While PAW Media has thirty years of experience using new technology to record and celebrate community heritage, this project will be its first using 3D animation. Conrad Allan, a talented Australian 3D animator, has been contracted to complete the specially-designed 3D animation of important sites. 

The project will be completed by late 2013. PAW hopes to distribute the DVD to local schools as an educational tool as well as provide the interactive content on their website.

The Government of Australia's Your Community Heritage program supports "the importance of heritage to the community and its role in bringing people together, creating community identity and a sense of pride."

Photo: Dennis Charles interviews Jack Cook