Footprints in the Sand (ATOM Study Guide)

Footprints in the Sand (Glen Stasiuk, 2007) is a journey into the traditional heartland of the Gibson Desert in Western Australia. In 1977, a Martu couple – Warri & Yatungka – were escorted in from the desert amidst the worst drought to hit the region in the twentieth century. The tagline 'the last of the nomads' headlined media reports around the world.

After forty years in the desert together, Warri & Yatungka died shortly after returning to civilisation, as did the master bushman Mudjon, their chief rescuer.

Their story dates back to the 1930s when the couple eloped from their community, living as exiles in the desert. Theirs was a love-match that was not permitted under Western Desert Aboriginal law, which prescribed strict rules regarding marriage and harsh penalties for those who would defy these laws.

The aftermath of this 'rescue' has remained problematic for the Aboriginal community of Wiluna. Footprints in the Sand provides a way for the community, for the first time, to tell their story from their perspective – in their words.

The film is told through the voices of Warri and Yatungka's son, Geoffrey Stewart (Yullala Boss) and other community members, as they journey back to Yullala's birthplace in the desert.

It's an emotional journey whose significance lies not only in the length of time since Yullala inhabited his birthplace but, also, the significance of his parentage – Warri & Yatungka.

Through this film – a mixture of contemporary interview with archive footage from 1977 – we follow in the footprints of their Martu ancestors traveling back into the harsh but breathtaking country of the desert. Yullala leads us through his country with precision and dignity. His homecoming is a ceremonial event.

Footprints in the Sand: A story of love for family, country and culture.