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Directed by Tracey Moffat, 1990.
The 17 minute film explores the relationship between mother and daughter and alludes to the assimilation policy that forced Aboriginal children to be raised in white families.
Australian Screen describes the film:
“The stark, sensual drama unfolds without dialogue against vivid painted sets as the smooth crooning of an Aboriginal Christian singer provides ironic counterpoint. Moffatt’s first 35mm film displays rare visual assurance and emotional power”. (Australian Screen, 2015)
Film academic Marcia Langton analyses the film with reference to the Australian film Jedda.
“The final scene of Night Cries is reminiscent of a scene from Jedda, when the newborn infant is laid on the table next to the white mistress of the house, and both begin to cry. This scene in Night Cries revisits the pain and anguish of Jedda, as the now grown Aboriginal daughter lies in a foetal position next to her white mother, and once again cries. Assimilation, then, can be understood as a pain experienced by both the Aboriginal daughter, as well as the white mother”. (Australian Screen, 2015)
“Tracey Moffatt is an artist who continues to challenge the social construction of Aboriginality and how it is nationally and internationally viewed. (Australian Screen, 2015)
The film was screened at the New York Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival and won awards including Best Australian Film at Melbourne Film Festival, Best Short at Montreal Women’s Film Festival and Special Jury Award at Tampere Short Film Festival. (Australian Screen, 2015)