TRISTAN

A film by Melanie Hogan
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Synopsis
Tristan tells the story of a 12-year old boy born with one of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – the result of exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. The film is both confronting and courageous in its ability to transport the viewer to north-west Australia to experience the hopes, dreams and challenges facing Tristan.

Impact
The film was been produced as part of the Lililwan Project, a research collaboration between Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre and Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services in Fitzroy Crossing; The George Institute for Global Health and Sydney Medical School at The University of Sydney.

The Governor General launched the film at Government House in 2012.

Director's Statement
Tristan is a follow up to the film ‘Yajilarra’. Once the women of the Fitzroy Valley put a circuit breaker into the community via the alcohol restrictions they wished to care for the children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).I felt very moved by the leadership of the women and very privileged capturing the voice of the children with FASD. It takes a lot of courage to allow a filmmaking team into the lives of kids who have such a personal challenge on their hands. I thank very deeply the families who trusted me deeply and honour their commitment to give their kids the best life possible.
-  Melanie Hogan