Storytelling through Film and Music is something all of us can relate to... and enjoy! It's entertainment, a way of sharing knowledge and bringing people together, and sometimes just to chill out for a while too. 

Tying that into NAIDOC Week, why not use screen time for some appreciation of First Nations Culture? Here is a list of 20 movies, TV shows, and songs that you can watch and listen to during NAIDOC Week.

Content warning: Content warning: This post contains the image and references to persons who have passed away. 

From fascinating First Nations documentaries to timeless classics, these are some of the top TV shows and movies that are perfect to get into in honour of NAIDOC Week. You can find all of these free to watch on SBS - and you'll even find some on Netflix too. 

 A three-part TV documentary series follows the story of Australia’s first wars and calling for recognition of the First Nations peoples who lost their lives in the frontier conflict between 1788 and 1928. Arrernte filmmaker Rachel Perkins does an outstanding job of telling the tough story of so many lost voices. Although it's undoubtably a difficult watch at times, its message is a powerful and important step in truth-telling.

Made as an observational First Nations documentary, In My Blood It Runs offers viewers an insight into the life and challenges faced by 10-year-old Arrernte boy, Dujuan. With a lean onto the Matriarchy of Indigenous families, it also shows the struggles of his mother, grandmothers, and other female figures as they navigate the difficult task of raising a young boy in modern Australian society.  It’s a movie that will open your eyes to life as an Aboriginal child in Australia’s Western-style education system and question the lost teachings of First Nations Cultures. The film is available on SBS, Netflix, and Vimeo. 

This illuminating show explores extraordinary stories and uncovers some secrets that shaped the landscape of Australia. This documentary show follows Indigenous Tiwi Islands presenter, Rob Collins as he meets with First Nations experts to explore history in Country. It's perfect to watch during NAIDOC week with four episodes exploring innovations and ancient knowledge from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Featuring legendary actor, David Gulpilil, this powerful movie follows the story of an Aboriginal man whose navigating abilities are used on an expedition into the Outback to find an accused murderer of a white woman. Although it tackles some hard subjects, it's done thoughtfully and tastefully. It's a must-watch for those interested in broadening their horizons of understanding in the history of First Nations people in the 20th Century. 

Presented by one of Australia’s national treasures, Ernie Dingo takes us on a tour around Australia showing audiences some of the most magical parts of Country with local experts. Uncover local secrets and dig into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history with legendary Elders. As well as being a great series to binge-watch during NAIDOC week, with five series with episodes scattered across the whole nation, you'll have plenty to watch even long after. 

Loosely based on a true story, Rabbit Proof Fence is one of the most renowned Indigenous Australian movies telling a story from the Stolen Generation. The movie follows three girls who escape from an abusive orphanage after being taken from their families. Their journey across the country to return home is nothing short of extraordinary. This film is also available on Netflix. 

On an exploration of the relationship between Australia and the Southern Cross, this documentary film tells a story uncovering astronomical history and digging into the ancient ties between this iconic constellation and the Indigenous and colonial past that ties into Australia’s political and cultural narrative. With a pensive view, filmmaker Warwick Thornton has created an innovative piece that ingeniously reflects on Indigenous Australians connection to the skies.

Through the innocent eyes of children, you get to watch the endearing story of two best friends facing the challenges of growing up with different cultural backgrounds. Set in Arnhem land in remote Northern Territory, it has themes that everyone can relate to: friendship, change, home challenges, and saltwater crocodiles. 

This intimate six-part documentary series goes on an exploration into Larapinta, one of the oldest river beds in the world. Following proud Arrernte and Luritja woman Talia Liddle, she takes you on a journey to learn more about how it connects with her ancestral homeland. She talks with Traditional Owners, Elders, historians, scientists, and more to learn more about nature and the First Nations people who have relied on it for life and spirit.

If you're driving to work or singing in the shower, there are few ways better than music to appreciate First Nations Culture. Here are 10 top tunes to listen to: 

Yolngu band from Elcho Island blend traditional music styles with reggae/ska styles. Mixing their Yolngu Languages and English, they have always used music as a way of storytelling and revitalising First Nations languages in modern culture.

The second song from Karjajala Kirrkdarra, the artist sings in English and Mudburra Language about the connection to Country through rain and the importance of women in life. This song was a finalist in the 2018 National Indigenous Music Awards. 

This Indigenous rock band (Yabu, meaning ‘rock’ in Wongatha Language) create a distinctive style blending reggae into their unique desert rock. Noongar Music has a lively beat that’s perfect to add to your NAIDOC week playlist. 

Arnhem Land's Ngulmiya joins with celebrated Spanish guitarist Pau Figueres. Together they combine his iconic, spiritual voice to soulful notes to create traditional storytelling that Ngulmiya does like no one else.

Gurrumul grew up as a member of the Gumatj clan on Elcho Island. His unique gentle and emotive voice combined with his storytelling ability has caught the attention of a global audience and today he's one of Australia's most famed artists. Bapa talks of his ancestors in Yolngu languages with his iconic guitar sounds combined beautifully with string. 

Maanyung sings in his ancestors’ Gumbaynggir and Yaegl Languages, practicing his Culture and heritage in music. Bilwaali is another take of his storytelling and an ode to his preservation of traditions.  

This Walpiri band have been around for more than 20 years and are popular for being so relatable. Their song Wiyappa Wanti Jalu from their 1998 album, ‘Visions’ is a must-listen during NAIDOC week.  

This funk band is led by legendary Yolngu Elder, Andrew Gurruwiwi. From the moment the tune starts, you’re surely encouraged to dance: a historical form of communication for First Nations people. The blend of funk and traditional sounds makes a sound that’s truly distinctive. 

Signed to Blak Label Music, Tjaka have stepped into a more vulnerable sound than their usual themes and incorporating identity and connection with traditional Indigenous instruments to link to their heritage. Homeland is a loud and proud song about Indigenous pride for Country. It is truly a song for NAIDOC 2024. 

Mau Power does one thing better than anyone on Earth: blending traditional Torres Strait sounds into a Hip Hop style with his ingenious sub-genre. Noting traditional drums and chants, he shares values of passing knowledge and sharing Culture through emphatic storytelling, rapping in both English and his Torres Strait Language.