The Earth Above: A Deep Time View of Australia’s Epic History
Australian First Nations tell of a solid sky-dome around the Earth. After we die, we’re transported beyond the dome to join our ancestors. On Earth we see our ancestors as stars shining through holes in the cover of the dome.
The Earth Above is a unique digital dome experience, exploring Australia's past 140,000 years, incorporating traditional and scientific knowledge to tell Australia’s epic story.
Central to this story is the Australian First Nations' understanding of Country, representing a complex system that is much more than a place. All facets of the environment - rock, tree, river, hill, animal, human - are formed of the same substance by the Ancestors who continue to live in the land, water and sky. Country exists as an ongoing, relational experience. It doesn't matter the form (plant / animal / human) - being on Country means being in a relationship with elements that are inherently part of us, as we are part of them.
In this spectacular 360° experience, we follow Ancestors on a journey deep into Country. We move across ancient superhighways connecting the entire continent of Australia, sharing deep time stories illuminated by new relationships between emerging research and First Nation knowledge.
We visit the following four locations:
⦿ Girraween Lagoon on Larrakia and Wulna Country outside Darwin in the Northern Territory
⦿ Cloggs Cave on GunaiKurnai Country in Victoria’s East Gippsland region
⦿ Lake Mungo in New South Wales on the land of the Barkandji / Paakantyi, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people
⦿ Jiigurru (Lizard Island) on the Great Barrier Reef, which is sacred to many, including the Dingaal community.
At each location a story is told, blending modern archaeology and anthropology with traditional knowledge to create a beautiful shared narrative.
Trailer and full preview below, with narrative script here. Additional detailed information about the show here, and Emu in the Sky specifics here. See also In-Conversation with the Creators of The Earth Above.
Film Type
KS3 - KS5 / Adults
Length: 27min
Available with the following subtitles: English, French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish
Click to enlarge story panels
