Taboo Film Series

Witness some of the most controversial films of our time. Opening the series and setting the bar is Salo (120 days of Sodom) by Pier Paolo Pasolini. Made in 1975, it was banned in Australia until 2010. Be challenged by the themes and content of this classic and other local and international films embodying the essence of TABOO.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

Thursday 7 February
River of No Return
DVD colour
52 minutes
Director: Darlene Johnson
River of No Return is the story of Frances Djulibing, a 45-year-old Yolngu woman and mother of three who comes from the remote community of Ramingining in Northeast Arnhem Land (NT). Frances dreamed of being a movie star – a dream that came true when Rolf de Heer cast Frances Djulibing in the lead female role of Nowalingu in Ten Canoes. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Frances now wants to become an actress. River of No Return documents the story of Frances as she learns to overcome huge personal and cultural challenges in the application process, and move between the ancient life of the Yolgnu nation and the modern world of the balanda (white people/culture).

FREE, drop-in
Please be seated by 7.00pm
over 18s only


Alicia Henry
Untitled Mask/face 2003
mixed media, fabric
Image courtesy the artist and Carl Hammer Gallery, Chicago
© the artist