High Ground (2020)

About High Ground

The 2020 film, High Ground, directed by Stephen Johnson, is a gripping Australian action adventure-drama that explores Australia’s colonial past. The story is set in the 1930s Northern Territory, Australia, and revolves around a former sniper, Travis, who sets out on a mission to find his lost nephew, Gutjuk. This quest not only leads them into the violent and complex world of their past but also helps to find true identity and purpose.

Making / Production

High Ground is the brainchild of director Stephen Johnson and writer Chris Anastassiades. The filmmakers spent over two decades working with Indigenous communities of Arnhem Land to bring authenticity. The movie maintains a careful balance between an action-adventure drama and the harsh reality of the colonization days.

Actors

• Simon Baker plays the role of Travis, the former sniper who loses faith in authority and embarks on a personal journey. His heartfelt performance lends much gravity to the film.
• Jacob Junior Nay plays Gutjuk and gives an impressive performance as a conflicted yet determined young man caught between two worlds.
• Jack Thompson is Moran, a patriarchal figure who symbolizes colonial power. His commanding screen presence adds depth to his complex character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The production team collaborated with the Indigenous communities in Arnhem Land, Australia for over twenty years to ensure the authentic representation of the stories and culture.
• Actors in the film learned the Indigenous language they spoke in the film which adds another layer of authenticity.
• This film marks the first time certain sacred Indigenous stories were given permission to be shared in a feature film format.

Awards

High Ground hasn't won any awards as of yet.

Quotes

• "The past is never dead, it's not even past, you just gotta face it." - Travis
• "Right or wrong, you can't change what's done." - Gutjuk

Music, Soundtrack

• The film’s soundtrack is a mix of stirring orchestral themes by composers Caitlin Yeo and Andrew Commis. It also includes Indigenous singing and chanting that encapsulates the spirit of the ancient lands and its people.