Free NAIDOC screening on Thursday, July 9: Imagine
The Buttery Celebrates NAIDOC Week with Free Community Screening of First Nations film IMAGINE in Lismore on Thursday, July 9.
The Buttery, in partnership with its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee, is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a free community screening of the acclaimed First Nations animated feature film IMAGINE, inviting the Northern Rivers community to come together to reflect, learn and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, stories and achievements.
Taking place on Thursday, 9 July 2026, at Lismore Star Court Theatre, the screening forms part of this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations, marking its 50th anniversary, “50 Years of Deadly” to honour the history, culture, resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
CEO at The Buttery, Leone Crayden, says; “NAIDOC Week is one of the most important celebrations in Australia’s calendar. Events held in around the country in celebration, play a vital role in helping communities feel seen, valued, and celebrated, while also creating opportunities to connect people with supportive services, including the free programs offered by The Buttery.
“As we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC and reflect on this year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, we are reminded of the importance of listening to First Nations voices and supporting future generations to lead with strength, pride and cultural knowledge."
IMAGINE is a groundbreaking First Nations-led animated film co-directed by Jack Manning Bancroft, founder of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), and acclaimed Indigenous scholar, author and thinker Professor Tyson Yunkaporta. The film follows 15-year-old Kim and their alien canine companion, Jeff, on an immersive journey through a imaginary world, exploring identity, connection, culture and the question of what kind of ancestors we want to be.
It has been recognised for its innovative blend of Indigenous storytelling, animation and community-led creation, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with First Nations perspectives in a powerful and accessible way.
"Stories have the power to bring people together, open hearts and create understanding. By sharing the wonderful story that is IMAGINE, we hope to provide a space for our community to connect, listen and learn through the power of storytelling,” says Crayden.
“We hope to spark meaningful conversations, deepen our understanding of the cultural strengths and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and encourage reflection on the challenges that many First Nations communities continue to face every day.
Reconciliation begins with listening, learning and walking alongside one another, and opportunities like this help us take those important steps together," says Crayden.
The Buttery is committed to reconciliation and creating culturally safe, inclusive environments for First Nations participants, staff and communities.
It recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for Country for over 60,000 years and acknowledges the ongoing impact of colonisation on First Nations communities. Through its Reconciliation Action Plan, The Buttery is committed to advancing reconciliation through respectful relationships, cultural learning, and actions that support self-determination, equity and inclusion.
The free screening is open to all members of the community and reflects The Buttery’s commitment to creating opportunities for connection, learning and celebration during NAIDOC Week.
This NAIDOC Week Activity is delivered with funding support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Free Screening of IMAGINE
When: Thursday 9 July, 5.30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Lismore Star Court Theatre, 126 Molesworth Street, Lismore NSW
Cost: Free
Bookings: Tickets available via Humantix here
ABOUT IMAGINE
IMAGINE is a First Nations-led animated film co-directed by Jack Manning Bancroft, founder of the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), and acclaimed Indigenous scholar, author and thinker Professor Tyson Yunkaporta.
Developed through an extraordinary collaborative process involving more than 400 contributors, including Indigenous young people, educators, artists and community members from around the world, IMAGINE was created to share Indigenous knowledge systems through storytelling, wonder and imagination. Its creators have described the project as a way to inspire audiences to rethink their relationship with each other, the natural world and the future, while celebrating the wisdom and interconnectedness of Indigenous cultures.