Movie Review: The Last Daughter
The Salvation Army Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team have partnered with Gravity Films to invite personnel and Salvationists to a Virtual Screening (online) of The Last Daughter and to watch the film with their teams and congregations from 6 July.
By ANTHONY CASTLE
“The truth has set me free, and I can just walk in that freedom now.”
Brenda’s first memories were of growing up in a loving, white foster family before she was suddenly taken away and returned to her Aboriginal family. Decades later, she feels disconnected from both halves of her life, but her past traumas do not lie quietly buried.
Brenda goes searching for the foster family with whom she had lost all contact. Along the way, she uncovers long-buried secrets, government lies and the possibility of deeper connections to family and culture.
The Last Daughter is a documentary about Brenda’s journey to unearth the truth about her past and to reconcile the two sides of her family. Brenda Matthews is a proud Wiradjuri woman, a storyteller, a speaker and co-director of the feature film, The Last Daughter, a documentary of her life.
The Last Daughter is in cinemas for a limited time only – from 15 June 2023 (find a location near you) – or gather people in your church, school, or workplace and experience the healing journey in community. Brenda’s father was a pastor, and it was his faith that gave her the strength to go on this journey.
NCLS Research found 70 per cent of church leaders think that to contribute to reconciliation, the Church needs to build intentional relationships with local Indigenous people, but 76 per cent of churches have no direct relationship with Indigenous people.
Sharing this story with your church is a way to contribute to reconciliation. Brenda’s story will create empathy, awareness and understanding for First Nations People and inspire your congregation to #WalkWithBrenda and discuss our shared history.
Audiences can also unpack the themes of The Last Daughter with a series of discussion guides that offer questions and reflections and encourage personal reflection (download reflection resources).
For more information, visit thelastdaughter.com
