Artists in Residence, LeLarnie Hatfield and Joanna Joy, in conversation with Dr Melinda Mann, First Nations Art Officer at RMOA. Learn about how Hatfield and Joy's collaborative film project took inspiration from RMOA's Collection during their residency.

About LeLarnie Hatfield and Joanna Joy

LeLarnie Hatfield and Joanna Joy are collaborating on a project that seeks to turn the written works of poet and activist Judith Wright into a television series. The project will be set in Central Queensland and both filmmakers want to ensure local community perspectives are considered in the “World-building” of this series.  

“World-building” refers to the process of creating a world within a film or TV show, including the characters, locations and events. To ensure the world of the project is reflective of Central Queensland’s multi-lingual, multi-cultural history the artists are inviting local members of the community to share their perspectives throughout their residency.  

Hatfield and Joy are a creative duo who have spent the past four years collaborating on the creation of cross-cultural representations in film. Shot on Darumbal Country, their most recent work ‘Generations of Men’ has screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival, Flickerfest, Brisbane International Film Festival, Darwin International Film Festival and St Kilda Film Festival.

This residency seeks to continue their long term creative collaboration on Darumbal Country. Hatfield has a long history of cultural leadership and facilitation. Whilst her most recent work uses the medium of film - the nature of Hatfield's cultural and community leadership has led her to work across dance, animation, literature and photography. Most recently nominated for the Kearney Group First Nations Film Creative Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival, Hatfield is an emerging practitioner who has already created a cultural impact with her work. 

Joy is an interdisciplinary artist with a passion for intersectional storytelling. Joy’s practice centers itself on community collaboration. Outside of Darumbal Enterprise, Joy has spent the last three years working within the Bus Stop Films community - facilitating accessible filmmaking and inclusive film sets. Most recently selected for the Accelerator Film Lab at the Melbourne International Film Festival, Joy is an emerging practitioner with growing recognition in the industry. 

Together these two artists combine their respective expertise and shared interest in facilitation to collaborate on the birth of their latest development. Returning to RMOA is a “full-circle” moment for these artists who have spent many hours taking inspiration from the newly built space and exhibitions.