Hannah Felsbourg
26 July 2024
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following article contains images and names of people who have died.
An upcoming Australian film aims to highlight the successes of Aboriginal people and the legacy Christian service has had through their lives.
Finding Miss Almond will recount the story of Isabel Smith (née Almond) and the Reverend Percy Smith, highlighting their work to equip young Aboriginal people to thrive.
The couple founded St Francis House, a home for Aboriginal boys which enabled them to move to Adelaide from remote areas for greater education and employment opportunities.
Read more: Artwork highlights God’s presence in Indigenous story
Screenwriter Mark Smith said through the film he wanted people to understand the legacy of the boys of St Francis House and his grandmother Mrs Smith’s role in their journey.
He said Mrs Smith became a surrogate mother to the boys staying at the home, particularly those who did not know where their mothers were at the time.
Her personal and deep care helped the boys flourish in an environment where government funding and formal support for Aboriginal people were lacking.
The music teacher. Isabel Almond an Associate of the Victorian College of Music in 1930. Picture: Supplied
Mr Smith said the film highlighted how the children at St Francis House overcame significant challenges to become senior public servants, academics, police officers and more.
He said St Francis House impacted multiple generations, with descendants of the original residents becoming renowned activists, artists, and athletes.
Residents of St Francis house included academic and activist Gordon Briscoe, activist and soccer player Charles Perkins, and athlete and artist John Moriarty.
Read more: ‘Set up to fail’ disappointment as university’s Indigenous school shut
Mr Smith hoped the film would prompt viewers to reflect on Australia’s past with Aboriginal people and some of the positive contributions the Church has made.
He said he wanted the film to spark conversations among viewers about Aboriginal affairs to bring them into the focus of the Australian public.
In doing so he also wanted to encourage governing bodies to fund and support the telling of Aboriginal stories in the future.
Finding Miss Almond is in pre-production. Accomplished film actor and director Mark Webber is sourcing funding and collaborating with Mr Smith on the script.
They hope to begin filming later in 2024. More information can be found on the Live Heart Productions website.
