A NEW film project focusing on Bendigo's South Sudanese Community will premiere at Ulumbarra Theatre in November.
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Produced by the Arena Theatre Company, Baai is a film and live performance piece that showcases the vibrant and colourful world of South Sudanese culture.
Featuring Bendigo performers Kotnyin Thon, Atil Angeth and Nyang Mayne, the project has been two years in the making.
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It started life as a theatre piece before the COVID-19 pandemic meant the production evolved into a film-based project.
"It was a little bit hard (to change to a film project) but what we did is good and we like it," Ms Angeth said. "Being together and seeing other people has been good. I really like the way some people know us know and what we're doing.
"(The Bendigo South Sudanese community) is not that big, but now I feel like we have lot people here."
Ms Thon said the young performers were excited at the idea of their project coming to life.
"We can't wait to see us performing and what we made for the film," she said. "It's our first time doing a thing like that. We can't wait.
"(This project) means there are people that want to listen to us and hear our story. It's good if someone wants to listen to you, you feel like that person cares for you and you tell your story so they know you. It gives a positive connection."
Ms Mayne said the piece will highlight the South Sudanese culture.
"The traditions, the songs and the way we live will stand out to people," she said.
Baai will be screened and performed outdoors at Ulumbarra, allowing for up to 150 people to attend each night.
Arena artistic associate Eliza Hull said the project began as a singing group.
"Bit by bit I realised that these incredible people have stories and songs to share," she said. "We started writing songs and they shared their stories.
"All the story telling and pieces were written by the girls. Everything was created by them, I just helped facilitate it and that's what I wanted it to be."
Ms Hull said she was glad the team made the decision to evolve the show from live theatre to a film.
"We started with older generations but due to COVID we shifted and realised doing live theatre was impossible," she said. "I was glad we made that change, now it is a more immersive experience where people can come together, share food in a picnic vibe outside and watch the film.
"It's about a 30-minute film and the girls will perform after it where they will share traditional dances and singing as a celebration of the film."
Baai is on in the Ulumbarra Theatre courtyard on November 12 and 13. For tickets visit www.gotix.com.au
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