Synopsis

Australia, 1830. Edward Waterman (Phillip Hinton) and his family arrive in a remote part of Tasmania (known at the time as Van Diemen's Land). Waterman is pressured into helping British colonial forces carry out the Black Line – enforced removal of Aborigines from land near white settlements. Aboriginal woman Manganinnie survives a Black Line raid which claims the life of her husband, Meenopeekameena.

During an innocent family outing in the wilderness, Waterman’s young daughter Joanna becomes separated from her family leaving Manganinnie, who has been hiding in the area, to take Joanna into her care. Overcoming her initial mistrust of Manganinnie, Joanna joins her on a long journey in search of Manganinnie’s people.

Manganinnie is exquisitely photographed by Gary Hansen, capturing the raw beauty of Tasmania's untouched wilderness. Manganinnie explores a dark chapter in Australian history and delivers a richly textured tale of isolation and survival.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this program may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.