Interview: Director Stephen Maxwell Johnson Talks Working With Simon Baker on HIGH GROUND

Summary

In this interview, director Stephen Maxwell Johnson discusses his film *High Ground*, a project born from his deep connection to Arnhem Land, Australia. He highlights the film's roots in Indigenous culture, emphasizing its goal of telling untold histories and showcasing Aboriginal perspectives. Johnson elaborates on the challenges of filming in the wilderness and working closely with local communities to ensure cultural sensitivity. He also reflects on issues of colonialism, racism, and the importance of preserving Indigenous language and traditions. The film is both a cinematic endeavor and a mission to celebrate and protect Australia’s oldest living culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film *High Ground* marks Stephen Maxwell Johnson's feature directorial debut, although he had previously made another film in Arnhem Land, titled *Young Boy*.
• 😀 The project took over 20 years to complete and is deeply rooted in the director's personal connection to the Indigenous people of Arnhem Land.
• 😀 The script for *High Ground* was developed through long-term relationships and cultural immersion, with co-writer Chris playing a significant role in the creative process.
• 😀 *High Ground* aims to tell the untold story of Australia's Indigenous people, focusing on their deep connection to the land and the importance of preserving language and culture.
• 😀 The film was shot on location in Arnhem Land, a culturally sacred area in northern Australia, with strict adherence to cultural protocols.
• 😀 Every detail in the film, from sounds to imagery, was meticulously planned to reflect the authenticity and respect for Indigenous traditions and land.
• 😀 The film features Simon Baker, who came on board as an executive producer after reconnecting with Johnson at the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land.
• 😀 Baker's involvement was almost serendipitous, as Johnson knew immediately that Baker was the right fit for the role of Travis after seeing him at the festival.
• 😀 Young actor Jacob Junior Nayingal, who had no prior acting experience, was chosen for the leading role after a symbolic moment during a screen test, marking him as the 'chosen one' for the part.
• 😀 The film addresses issues of colonialism, racism, and the importance of creating pride in Indigenous culture, while also advocating for a deeper understanding of the land and respect for its people.
• 😀 Johnson stresses the importance of learning from and preserving Indigenous culture, particularly in light of contemporary global challenges like climate change, with a call to integrate Indigenous knowledge into modern education and society.

Q & A

What inspired Stephen Maxwell Johnson to make *High Ground*?

Stephen Maxwell Johnson was deeply inspired by his personal connection to Arnhem Land, where he grew up. He felt it was important to tell the untold history of Aboriginal culture and the relationship between the people and the land. This connection was nurtured over 20 years of conversations and collaborations with local families.

How did the film's script come about, and how is it different from a traditional script?

The script for *High Ground* was not developed in a traditional manner. Instead, it was born out of decades of listening, learning, and immersing in Aboriginal culture. Stephen collaborated closely with local communities, drawing from their stories, songs, and ceremonies. It was a product of deep cultural immersion, rather than a conventional writing process.

What does the film seek to communicate about the relationship between Aboriginal people and the land?

The film seeks to highlight the deep, symbiotic relationship Aboriginal people have with the land. For them, the land is not just a resource, but an intrinsic part of their identity and existence. It is a cycle of life, where humans and nature are inextricably linked, and the film immerses the audience in this philosophy.

How was the filming process influenced by the local Indigenous communities in Arnhem Land?

Filming was heavily influenced by the local Indigenous communities, with the film crew working closely with the families and old people of Arnhem Land. Sacred sites were filmed only with their permission, and every detail—such as sounds, locations, and times of day—was carefully considered to honor cultural significance and authenticity.

What role did Simon Baker play in the film's production?

Simon Baker was both an executive producer and an actor in *High Ground*. He became involved after reconnecting with Stephen Maxwell Johnson at the Garma Festival, where he developed a deep emotional connection to the culture. Baker’s involvement brought added authenticity to the film, particularly in his work with the lead actor, Jacob Junior Nayingal.

Who is Jacob Junior Nayingal, and what makes his casting in *High Ground* significant?

Jacob Junior Nayingal is the lead actor in *High Ground*, playing the character of Gutjuk. What makes his casting significant is that he had never acted before, and he was chosen in a deeply symbolic way. His grandfather, who had been part of the discussions about telling the story of Aboriginal resistance, had hoped for Jacob to play the role, making his casting an emotional and spiritual fulfillment of that wish.

What was the primary challenge in shooting *High Ground* in Arnhem Land?

One of the main challenges in shooting *High Ground* was the logistics of filming in one of the world’s last great wildernesses. The production had to navigate remote and often rugged terrain while respecting the sacredness of the land and the traditions of the local communities. Additionally, the crew worked hard to ensure every aspect of the film, from the sounds to the visual details, was culturally accurate.

What does Stephen Maxwell Johnson believe is the key to improving relations between Aboriginal people and the Australian government?

Stephen believes that the key to improving relations is education, respect, and understanding. He emphasizes the need to recognize the value of Aboriginal culture, language, and traditions, and to incorporate them into Australia’s education system. He also stresses that acknowledging past mistakes and embracing Aboriginal culture is crucial for moving forward.

How does *High Ground* address the themes of colonialism and racism?

The film addresses colonialism and racism by depicting the historical struggles faced by Aboriginal people in their resistance against European settlers. The story highlights the painful effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities, including violence, displacement, and cultural erasure, while also portraying the resilience of the Aboriginal people in preserving their land and traditions.

What message does *High Ground* convey regarding the preservation of Aboriginal languages and culture?

The film conveys the critical importance of preserving Aboriginal languages and culture, which are rapidly disappearing as older generations pass away. Stephen Maxwell Johnson stresses that language is not just a tool for communication but a vital link to cultural identity and history. The film hopes to inspire pride in younger generations and encourage them to embrace and preserve their heritage.