SYNOPSIS

A film exploring contemporary ways Indigenous teens share knowledge — expressing culture through song while deepening their connection to country.

As participant Raiyn Campbell explains:
“The song sums up Surfing with the Mob, which is us being connected to saltwater, being connected to country, but also doing it together, as a mob.”

The song featured in the film came from the Yangala Bugan (Sing on Country) program 2025, written by the all youth cast, led by Aunty Ellen Mundy, Tamika Townsend, and Emma Stewart.

DIRECTOR BIO

Andrew Robinson is a Regional Filmmaker and Digital Creative based in South Pambula, NSW.

He works on a variety of projects across the far south coast, from art to advertising. He has won various awards for his work, most recently for the film My Black Dog that took two awards Far South Film Festival 2025, 'Best South East Film' and 'Best Youth Film'.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

My approach to filming Saltwater Home was shaped through early conversations with Robbie Townsend, Tamika Townsend, and Emma Stewart. From the outset, there was a shared understanding that much of the film should be observed as it naturally unfolded. Allowing moments to emerge organically rather than forcing them into structure.

Having a small, trusted crew was essential in creating that environment.

David Rogers, the incredibly talented award-winning landscape photographer, captured the action from above. Documenting country through sweeping drone imagery and cinematic wides that brought scale and presence to the film.

Producer Hiromi Matsuoka was the calm centre of the production, guiding us through long shooting days, shifting weather, surf forecasts, and the unpredictability of working with a young cast. Her experience and steady presence allowed the creative process to remain fluid and grounded.

At the heart of the film are the performances of the young rappers. These sequences were approached with a more traditional music video sensibility, while still allowing the performers space to shape how they wanted to be seen and expressed on screen.

Creating that space was central to the filmmaking process. Building confidence, encouraging honesty, and ensuring the performances felt authentic to the young people behind them.

The focus of the film extended beyond surfing to the country itself: a sense of timeless belonging, connection, and cultural continuity carried through saltwater, language, and song.