Magic Lands Alliance
Sharing the truth of Indigenous and colonial history through film, education and community.
MLA is a not-for-profit organisation that unites filmmakers, First Nations communities and voices, local communities from the story’s regions, educators, sponsors, and philanthropists. Committed to truth-telling, cultural preservation, and restoration, we produce films and educational resources that deepen social awareness, strengthen connections to the land’s history, culture, and communities, and deliver lasting benefits for education, tourism, cultural heritage, and entertainment—well beyond the life of each project.
How It Works
Step 1: Contribute & Produce
Sponsors, contributors, and philanthropic investors collaborate with the Alliance to finance period drama productions with educational assets.
Step 2: Research & Collaborate
MLA works alongside First Nations communities to develop the truth of the historic stories, creating educational resources, tourism infrastructure and preserving cultural knowledge along the way.
Step 3: Production & Co-Creation
During film production, MLA collaborates with First Nations communities to co-create sets, costumes, music, and language resources, all of which are documented for educational and tourism purposes after film production concludes.
Step 4: Giving Back
Set pieces, cultural designs, and materials — such as Indigenous huts — are given to First Nations communities and sponsors to support education, socio-economic benefits in tourism, and cultural history.
Step 5: Release, Distribution and Licensing
Completed film productions aim to be released at film festivals, in theatres, and on streaming platforms.
After release, the film and educational IP assets, as well as courses, can be licensed to members, schools, and institutions.
PERIOD Drama PROJECTs
Our period dramas are carefully selected to dive deeper into Australian history’s untold stories, focusing on areas where truth and Indigenous voices have been overlooked.
More information on the period drama project slate.
Educational Resources
History and science of Victoria’s Country and First Peoples.
Upon completion of feature film, Magic Lands – Purra and Buckley’s Chance, MLA will release and license project one educational course resources to sponsors and accredited institutions. The program offers a comprehensive exploration of the history and science of Victoria’s Country and First Peoples, combining research, storytelling, and truth-telling to deepen understanding of culture, land, and shared history.
Course Overview
Online learning course that explores the rich history, science, psychology, and evolution of land and life — and the enduring strength of cultural identity and connection to Country, sky, oceans, and Indigenous knowledge across Victoria, Australia, and beyond.
Inspired by film research for the Magic Lands screenplay on Wadawurrung Country, the course examines Victoria and Tasmania before, during, and after colonisation through more than 160 referenced and sourced educational articles (Vegter, 2025) and accompanying video content.
Developed in collaboration with First Nations communities, it invites learners to explore Australia’s shared history, spirit, and science through truth-telling, education, and cultural understanding.
To experience educational knowledge, visit History Educational articles
PROJECT 1
Magic Lands
Buckley and Purra’s Chance
Feature film - Period Drama - Thriller
Development, Scripted - Currently Casting
Production Set for August, 2026
The untold true story and bloodline of William Buckley, an escaped British convict, and his relationship with Wadawurrung woman and resistance fighter Purramurnin Tullawurnin. Set in early 1800s Victoria, this tale unfolds during the tumultuous period of land grabbing from Indigenous communities and the founding of the Geelong and Melbourne settlements.
PROGRESS
Overview
Magic Lands – Purra and Buckley’s Chance is the flagship film and educational project of the Magic Lands Alliance — a major Australian initiative blending truth-telling, cinema, and cultural renewal.
Progress & Achievements
Six years of research and screenplay development completed, backed by over 160 MLA Educational Articles exploring Victoria’s First Peoples, history, and science.
Cultural permissions and partnerships established with Wadawurrung and other First Nations communities.
Pre-production underway: financing, casting, and the design of authentic Indigenous huts and set infrastructure with Traditional Owner collaboration.
Production and post-production to follow, with cultural assets gifted back to communities and sponsors for education, culture, and tourism.
Global distribution and legacy: the film will be released internationally and licensed to education departments, supported by MLA’s digital learning series.
Why Invest or Partner
This project represents a unique opportunity to be part of a landmark Australian story that unites film, education, and cultural impact. Partners and sponsors will be recognised in international distribution, education licensing, and on-ground community outcomes — a long-term legacy that blends social, educational, and economic return.
Reconciliation
Our productions foster collaboration between First Nations and local communities where the story is set, bridging histories to create a shared, knowledgeable and brighter future for all.
Short Films
Garra’s Chance
Our team explored the mystery surrounding the daughter of William Buckley and Purranmurnin Tullawurnin. In this short film, we named her Garra, as we questioned her whereabouts and whether she survived. It was only at the end of production that we discovered historical records indicating she did survive the Silent War—and her name was Fanny. Fanny’s bloodline story will be told in the upcoming feature film, Moorrup’s Call.
This short film follows Garra, a young Indigenous woman on the run from colonists during the Silent War, hiding in the Anakie Mountains after being left behind by her parents. When colonist Robert Von Stieglitz, whose family controls over 200,000 acres of stolen land, encounters her while out hunting, Garra must quickly learn to survive and trust in the guidance of her ancestors.
Filmed on Wadawurrung Country in a single day, the result was nothing short of magical. Garra’s Chance.
Shifting Truth
Changing truth in society collectively requires open dialogue, education, and systemic reform. We challenge dominant narratives and reshape perspectives by fostering critical thinking and amplifying historically silenced voices through film, music, storytelling, and community engagement. Sustainable change comes through collective action, where individuals, institutions, and governments acknowledge past injustices and work together toward equity and truth.
Indigenous Community Collaboration
First Nations communities will actively participate in our projects, ensuring their voices are represented while creating socio-economic, educational, cultural, and tourism benefits. From set designs to costumes, we collaborate closely with community representatives to authentically bring their stories to the screen. After production, these cultural assets will be given back to the community. Every project is crafted with deep respect, ensuring authenticity and artistic integrity.
Long-Term Purpose
Our alliance brings together filmmakers, educators, artists, First Nations leaders, and local communities united by a shared commitment to truth-telling. We are guided by integrity, cultural respect, and a deep purpose—to share powerful, authentic stories that educate, empower, and inspire.
Innovation in AI
Our productions and media endeavour to use latest technology in Ai for film and books to deliver international content with quality.
Educational Videos and Content
Acknowledgement
Magic Lands Alliance and our producers acknowledge the Traditional Owners, Custodians, and First Nations communities across Australia and internationally. We respect their continued connection to the sky, land, waters, language and culture. We pay our respects to the First Peoples language groups, communities, and Elders - past, present, and emerging that continue to be impacted by colonisation and any harm caused in recreating our historically based true stories to create social awareness worldwide.
Our Production Protocol
Respect, protect, educate, and build social and moral awareness around Indigenous culture and Australian and international history.
To protect and gain consent/permissions from communities, traditional owners, and elders around Indigenous culture, oral stories, characters, costumes, language and artefacts, etc., shown in film productions and educational material.
To collaborate with Indigenous and contemporary communities where the story's subject content is located and create educational content that protects heritage and creates infrastructure, employment, and business opportunities in the area.
First Nation and Local Communities Support
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative Members, Artists and Traditional Owners
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Artists and Members
Boonwurrung Sea and Land Council Traditional Owners and Members
Eastern Maar Community Traditional Owners and Members
Gudjitmara Community Traditional Owners and Members
Yorta Yorta Community Members and Traditional Owners
Torres Strait Island Community Members and Traditional Owners
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Traditionl Owners and Members
Taungurung Traditional Owners and Community Members
Steiglitz Community Members
Mount Rothwell Conservation and Reserve
Barwon Coast Council
City of Greater Geelong
Surf Riders Foundation Australia - Torquay
Ron Ellis and the Granites Property, Anakie.
Golden Plains Shire Council
Parks Victoria
Bass Coast Council
Australian Marine Conservation Society
