Ties That Bind: Kriv Stenders' 'Australia Day' and the Problems of Patriotism

Following three individuals whose paths entwine over a twelve-hour period, Kriv Stenders' film exposes the hardships and harsh inequities that continue to afflict those who are deemed minorities in Australian society. Taking aim at the contentious national holiday of its title, Australia Day uses plot and character to polemicise – but perhaps at the expense of a well-told story, writes Zoe Wallin.

Additional keywords:
Zoë, race, racism, bigotry, fascism, nationalism, Cronulla riots, Bryan Brown, Elias Anton, Shari Sebbens, politics.