The Colleano Heart

Before cinema, the circus was the world’s grandest stage, and the Colleano family were among its brightest stars. Embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery, The Colleano Heart follows descendants who reunite across continents to reveal the hidden story of their circus-royalty ancestors. As the Colleanos rise to international stardom, they also conceal their Aboriginal identity to keep their family together, joining many of those who form the little-talked-about “Hidden Generation” of Aboriginal Australians. Through the family’s remarkable home movies, never-before-seen footage, family interviews, and archival recordings, their extraordinary story is brought to life.

Co-presented with NITV

The first screenings will be followed by a Q&A with director and festival guest Pauline Clague