Western Sydney University students shine light on the contrasting worlds of western Sydney and Timor-Leste in a special documentary series
Mangroves by Debbie Cannon
Mobile Stories is a collaborative, multi-media project profiling the cultural differences and future goals of students at Western Sydney University and their counterparts in the young developing nation of Timor-Leste.
The project was produced by talented students from the Screen Media, Communication, Design and Music programs at Western Sydney University during a New Columbo Plan(Opens in a new window) study tour to Timor-Leste in 2019.
Australia and Timor-Leste are neighbouring countries yet in terms of size, wealth and power the two nations are worlds apart. The project endeavours to lift knowledge and cultural understanding of Timor-Leste and the diverse multicultural region of western Sydney in the hope of developing increased engagement between the two locations.
Mobile Stories features 20 short documentary profiles that explore the lives and subsequent hopes, dreams and goals of university students living in these two vastly different cultures.
In addition, the online documentary features photography galleries and a series of written articles that together paint a broader cultural profile of Timor-Leste and Greater Western Sydney. Students from the University also composed the music scores that feature in the completed videos.
Project lead and award-winning filmmaker Dr Wendy Chandler from the University’s School of Humanities and Communication Arts crafted the vision for Mobile Stories and highlights the important message behind the project that aims to celebrate both difference and a common humanity.
“Timor-Leste is Australia’s second closest neighbour after Papua New Guinea and we have a shared history dating back to the second World War. Australia is a wealthy country; Timor is one of the poorest countries in the world. I think it is important to be aware of our many differences but also the shared experiences with one of our closest neighbours,” said Dr Chandler.
“Western Sydney is rapidly changing and evolving into a dynamic and culturally rich part of Australia yet prejudices still exist. The goal was to represent and celebrate people and places that are not normally represented on mainstream screens.”
The project serves as both a celebration of the stories told as well as the collaborative achievements of students across the various creative programs on offer at Western Sydney University. It is a showcase of interdisciplinary collaboration and excellence when it comes to designing and delivering innovative curricula that can lead to meaningful outcomes.
James Nolan-Neylan graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Screen Media (Arts and Production) and was involved in the project during his study. He urges people to watch the videos to learn more about the important messages they convey.
“I hope that Mobile Stories might go some way to helping Australians to become more familiar with the Timorese, their history and their future. As climate change and geopolitics continue to affect our region we need to ensure we're connected to our neighbours in the pacific and fostering healthy relationships,” said James.
“I am so grateful that I could be involved in the project. The production and post-production phases of the project helped me to really come to understand filmmaking and how I can engage and grow within the artform.”
Dayspring by Debbie Cannon
Debbie Cannon also completed a Bachelor of Design Studies at the University and recognises how the project impacted her both personally and professionally.
“This project provided a unique opportunity to produce meaningful documentary stories with a combination of videography and photography. We travelled from Dili to the mountains, meeting students and families in their homes as part of our research. I will always remember the kindness and generosity shown to us by the Timorese people. It was both humbling and life changing,” said Debbie.
“I am thankful for all I learned about documentary media, storytelling, photography, videography and animation in the making of this project. I have been able to use these practical skills as a launch pad for increased employability.”
The project will feature as part of the Research Creation Showcase(opens in a new window) at Casula Powerhouse on 3 November but unlike traditional documentary projects, Mobile Stories allows the viewer to experience the project in their own time, wherever they are, provided they have access to the internet and a mobile device, making this a lasting and impactful project.
Western Sydney University was recently named number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings. The prestigious annual rankings assess universities on their commitment to the United Nations’ SDGs, based on universities’ teaching, research, outreach and stewardship.
You can learn more about the project by visiting the Mobile Stories web page(opens in a new window).
ENDS
31 October 2022
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.