Pioneers of Love (ATOM Study Guide)

Pioneers of Love is a dramatic film, suitable for senior secondary students. The film presents an epic saga set in the early twentieth century, Pioneers of Love is a film about the Illin family who flee the persecution of the Czar in St Petersburg, Russia, and settle in far-north Queensland in their quest to find a 'working man's paradise'.

Leandro Illin, 28, son of patriarch Nicholas, became involved with Kitty Clark, an Aboriginal woman of the Ngadjon people, traditional owners of the Atherton Tablelands. They have a child together and in their battle to formalise their relationship they confront a harsh and intolerant regime that forces them to live on the fringes.

The film makes evocative use of dramatic re-enactments and also incorporates poignant interview material with the many descendents of this passionate Russian and his Aboriginal lover.

Curriculum Links:
Pioneers of Love will be of interest to senior secondary students of:

• Australian History
• Indigenous Studies
• SOSE / HSIE