An unyielding spirit: In My Blood It Runs

By Khadija Hadjab

Jul 31, 2024

Dujuan Turner and his mother, Megan Turner.

In My Blood It Runs is a documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of 10-year-old Dujuan, an Arrernte/Garrwa boy from Alice Springs.

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Following Dujuan’s journey as he navigates two worlds, the Western education system and his Indigenous heritage, allows viewers to understand the deep connection between culture, education and identity.

“I feel like I can easily say it’s one of the best documentaries this country has produced in recent years. A work of emphatic poignancy...” wrote Glenn Dunks for The Film Experience.

Directed by Maya Newell, the documentary showcases the “deadly” resilience, inspiring courage and wisdom Dujuan displays at such a young age and that of his family and community.

The documentary masterfully weaves poignant moments of grace while highlighting what crucially needs to change in this country. As a migrant immensely grateful for what Australia has given me, watching Dujuan being taught “how Australia was discovered by Captain Cook” at school was gut-wrenching.

“In My Blood It Runs shows us that colonialism is not just a painful legacy to grapple with but an ongoing process necessitating resistance,” Brett Pardy wrote for Seventh Row.

While the documentary highlights the importance of preserving First Nations’ ancestral knowledge, it also challenges us to reflect on the many ongoing systemic challenges faced by the Indigenous community in Australia.

In My Blood It Runs won Maya Newell Best Director for a Documentary Film Picture at the Australian Directors Guild Awards and garnered seven nominations.

If you need further convincing, In My Blood It Runs has a perfect score of 100 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes. It is available on Netflix.