Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002), directed by Phillip Roger Noyce, is a profoundly moving film that captures the story of three Aboriginal girls who undertake a perilous journey to escape Australia’s assimilationist policies in the 1930s. Based on Nugi Doris Pilkington Garimara’s book Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence, the film explores themes of resilience and identity as it portrays the girls’ determination to return home despite relentless efforts to separate them from their culture and families. Through the experiences of Molly Craig, Daisy Craig Kadibil, and Gracie Fields, the film highlights the strength of Aboriginal women and the centrality of their identity in resisting colonial oppression. Aboriginal women are protectors of heritage and symbols of endurance and resilience.

Women as resilient figures

The film positions Molly Craig, Daisy Craig Kadibil, and Gracie Fields as embodiments of resilience, showcasing their ability to endure unimaginable challenges. Craig, the eldest of the three, emerges as a natural leader, guiding her sister Kadibil and cousin Fields across harsh and unfamiliar terrain. Despite their young age, the girls display incredible courage and resourcefulness, using their instincts and the limited knowledge that they have of the land to evade capture. Craig’s determination to reunite with her family fuels their journey, highlighting her unwavering resolve and inner strength. Her actions underscore how resilience is not merely about physical survival but also about the will to protect one’s sense of self and connection to family.

Craig’s leadership is particularly striking given the immense challenges that she faces. As the eldest, she bears the responsibility of not only her own survival but also that of Kadibil and Fields. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and make critical decisions demonstrates a maturity beyond her years. For example, her strategic use of the rabbit-proof fence as a guide exemplifies her resourcefulness and her deep connection to the land. This connection, instilled in her by her family, becomes a source of strength that allows her to navigate the physical and emotional toll of their journey. Craig’s resilience is further amplified by her unrelenting focus on her goal, which serves as an anchor for the group’s determination.

The film also portrays the girls’ resilience as a collective effort, emphasising the importance of their bond in overcoming adversity. Kadibil and Fields, though younger and less experienced, contribute to the group’s survival by trusting Craig and supporting one another. Their shared experiences of fear, exhaustion, and determination create a sense of solidarity that becomes vital to their success. This collective resilience underscores the significance of familial and cultural ties in resisting oppression. Together, the girls defy the odds, transforming their journey into a powerful testament to the strength found in unity.

In stark contrast, the systemic oppression embodied by the Government’s assimilationist policies serves as a backdrop to the girls’ resilience. While the film shows moments of vulnerability and fear, these are overshadowed by the girls’ persistent efforts to resist. The resilience of these young Aboriginal girls is particularly significant in the context of their forced removal from their families, as it reflects their ability to maintain hope and agency in an oppressive system designed to strip them of both. This resilience becomes a powerful form of defiance against a Government intent on erasing their identities.

The assimilationist policies represent an institutional attempt to break the cultural and familial bonds of the aboriginal people. By forcibly removing children from their families and placing them in settlements, the Government sought to erase the indigenous identity and replace it with a colonial one. The sheer brutality of these policies – and their devastating impact on families –  serves to highlight the extraordinary strength required by the girls to resist. Their journey is not only a physical escape but also a symbolic reclaiming of their cultural identity, underscoring the enduring connection between resilience and identity.

Furthermore, the film juxtaposes the resilience of the girls with the dehumanising efforts of the authorities, such as the tracker Moodoo and the officials enforcing these policies. While Moodoo’s own role reflects the complexity of individuals caught within oppressive systems, the film makes clear that the girls’ resistance is a direct challenge to these structures. By showing their ability to outwit and evade their pursuers, the film positions the girls as symbols of defiance against a system that seeks to erase their identity. Their journey becomes a powerful narrative of survival, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.

Carriers of culture

The film places a strong emphasis on the role of aboriginal women as carriers and protectors of culture. In the opening scenes, Craig’s mother and grandmother are portrayed as deeply connected to the land and their traditional way of life. Their presence establishes a foundation of cultural knowledge and identity that Craig draws upon throughout her journey. These women embody the wisdom and strength of aboriginal heritage, passing on teachings that equip Craig to survive and navigate the harsh realities of the outback. Their connection to the land symbolises the inseparability of culture and identity for the aboriginal people.

Craig’s journey along the rabbit-proof fence is a testament to the enduring influence of her cultural upbringing. Her ability to use the fence as a guide, despite the immense challenges that she faces, reflects the deep-seated knowledge imparted by her family. This cultural grounding enables Craig to resist assimilation and maintain her identity even as she is pursued by the authorities. By portraying the girls’ journey as a physical and metaphorical return to their cultural roots, the film emphasises how aboriginal women play a pivotal role in preserving and passing on their heritage, even in the face of systematic attempts to sever these ties.

Stardom and understated celebrity 

The casting of indigenous non-professional actors – Everlyn Lee Marie Sampi (Craig), Tianna Sansbury (Kadibil), and Laura Monaghan (Fields) – adds an essential layer of authenticity to the film. Sampi’s portrayal of Craig is particularly powerful, capturing the complexity of her character with a raw and unpolished performance that resonates deeply with audiences. Her ability to convey Craig’s fear, determination, and resilience makes her performance unforgettable. The decision to cast actors from aboriginal communities ensures that the story remains rooted in the lived experiences of the indigenous people, further amplifying its emotional impact.

Unlike conventional depictions of stardom, the young leads in Rabbit-Proof Fence are not glamorised or elevated as traditional celebrities. Instead, their performances are understated, allowing the narrative to take centre stage. This approach aligns with the film’s focus on authenticity and respect for its subject matter, ensuring that the spotlight remains on the resilience and identity of the girls rather than on the actors themselves. The understated stardom of the leads reinforces the film’s central themes, emphasising the universality of their story and the enduring strength of aboriginal women.

Representation and its broader implications

Rabbit-Proof Fence is a groundbreaking film in its representation of aboriginal women, offering a nuanced and empowering portrayal of their resilience and identity. By centring the experiences of Craig, Kadibil, and Fields, the film challenges stereotypes that often depict indigenous women as passive victims. Instead, it portrays them as active agents of resistance and survival, navigating a world designed to suppress their voices and erode their cultural identity. This representation is significant in its ability to shift narratives and foster greater understanding of the strength and agency of aboriginal women.

The broader implications of the film extend to its impact on audiences and discussions about Australia’s colonial history. By shedding light on the stolen generations and the resilience of those who resisted, Rabbit-Proof Fence contributes to a deeper awareness of the injustices faced by indigenous communities. The film’s focus on the resilience and identity of aboriginal women serves as both a historical record and a call to action, encouraging viewers to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous people and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Rabbit-Proof Fence is a profound exploration of the resilience and identity of aboriginal women, portraying their strength and determination in the face of systemic oppression. Through the journey of Craig, Kadibil, and Fields, the film highlights the central role of women in preserving cultural heritage and resisting assimilation. The authenticity of the performances and the understated stardom of the leads ensure that the story remains rooted in the lived experiences of the indigenous people. As a landmark film, Rabbit-Proof Fence continues to inspire conversations about resilience, identity, and representation, offering a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of aboriginal women and their fight to maintain their cultural legacy.

(Thilakarathna is an attorney-at-law and Lecturer at the Colombo University's Law Faculty's Public and International Law Department. Fernando is a sociologist)

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication