Bran Nue Dae is a musical comedy-drama film directed by Rachel Perkins and based on the stage musical of the same name by Jimmy Chi. The film is set in the 1960s and follows the story of Willie, a young Aboriginal man living in the idyllic pearling town of Broome. Willie is a talented singer and songwriter who dreams of making it big in the music industry. However, his mother sends him to a strict Catholic mission in Perth where he is taught by the stern Father Benedictus and Sister Eileen.
Despite the harsh discipline and culture shock, Willie makes friends with a group of misfit students who introduce him to rock 'n' roll and inspire him to rebel against the school's rules. Willie also falls for a fellow student named Rosie, with whom he shares a passion for music.
However, when Willie is punished for a prank and subjected to physical abuse, he decides to run away from the mission and return to his hometown of Broome. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters including an eccentric hippie couple, a German backpacker, and a friendly truck driver who offer him a ride. Meanwhile, Father Benedictus and Sister Eileen set out to bring Willie back to the mission.
The film features an all-star cast including Rocky McKenzie as Willie, Jessica Mauboy as Rosie, Ernie Dingo as Uncle Tadpole, and Magda Szubanski as Sister Eileen. The musical score includes original songs by Jimmy Chi and his band Kuckles, as well as classic hits by Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and others.
Bran Nue Dae is a joyful celebration of music, culture, and identity that captures the spirit and humor of Australia's Indigenous communities. It premiered at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win several awards including Best Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.