Zach's Ceremony
Somewhere between tribal tradition and city life, a young boy must learn what it takes to become a man and awaken the warrior within.
Zach’s ceremony is an extraordinary, feature-length documentary captured over ten years that shows one boy’s journey to manhood in a complex, emotionally driven story. Its themes are universal; that of family and connection, but also explores the fascinating and unique question of what it means to be a modern man belonging to the oldest living culture of earth.
Growing up isn’t easy, especially for Zach who is rapidly making the transition from boyhood to manhood, in both the modern world and his ancient culture. Pressures from his loving, but staunch father, the temptations of city life and the ever present spectre of racism all take their toll. Ultimately Zach must embrace the traditions and knowledge of his ancestors and awaken the warrior within.
Complications arise as Zach enters adolescence and the pressure of his life mount. Zach feels too white to be accepted by his family, and too black for his inner-city peers. Combined with his fathers well-intentioned but strict style of parenting, Zach snaps and starts to rebel.
Against the backdrop of Indigenous oppression, Zach’s teenage experimentation and his violent reactions to racisms leads the troubles youth to some dark places. Alec knows that without a true connection to his culture, Zach is lost. It’s time for Zach to answer the call of his Elders, to take part in the ancient rite of passage and walk in the footsteps of his ancestors.
Zach Doomadgee experienced life in the city, but would frequently go back home to Doomadgee in Far North Queensland and live the traditional life.