Summary:
Emmaline Zanelli explores life in Roxby Downs, a remote mining town in South Australia.
The town has a population of 4,000, with 3,500 connected to the Olympic Dam mine.
Zanelli aims to give a voice to local youth, capturing their unique experiences and perspectives.
The project features a video artwork titled “I take care of what's mine,” blending documentary and fiction.
Upcoming screenings in 2025 will showcase the work of local young filmmakers.
A Glimpse into Roxby Downs
In the remote South Australian mining town of Roxby Downs, artist Emmaline Zanelli embarks on a journey to understand the lives of young residents. Armed with cameras, she captures the essence of life in a town built around one of the world's largest mines, the Olympic Dam.
Zanelli, with cinematographer Katrina Penning (on car), about as close as a non-mine worker can get to Olympic Dam.
Founded in 1986, Roxby Downs has a population of about 4,000, with 3,500 connected to the mine. Zanelli, originally expecting a dusty military camp, was surprised to find a nicely developed town with landscaped areas and recreational facilities.
The Community's Unique Reality
Zanelli's connection to the mining community runs deep, as family members have worked in the mine. She notes that Roxby Downs is not a place where people settle for long, as evidenced by its cemetery, which only holds pets.
“It’s not a place that people stay,” Zanelli remarks, highlighting the transient nature of its residents.
Capturing Youthful Perspectives
Understanding the youth culture in Roxby Downs became Zanelli's mission. She aimed to provide a voice to the teenagers who often feel isolated due to their parents' work commitments in the mining sector.
“I wanted to give those young people a voice,” she explains, emphasizing their intelligence and humor. Her project culminated in a video artwork titled “I take care of what's mine,” blending documentary and fiction through footage from local youth.
Video portraits of teenagers in their bedrooms feature in the film.
The Filmmaking Process
Over two years, Zanelli provided filmmaking classes and creative workshops to empower local kids. She equipped them with handycams and encouraged them to express their creativity, resulting in a chaotic yet thrilling visual narrative.
Local kids and teenagers got the opportunity to learn filmmaking skills.
Themes of Freedom and Fantasy
The final video artwork features surreal scenes, capturing the freedom, boredom, and wonderment of youth in Roxby Downs. Zanelli notes the tension between the carefree lives of kids and the looming industrial site nearby, creating a unique juxtaposition.
Pre-school kids create mining machinery with playdough in a workshop with Zanelli.
Upcoming Screenings
The young creators will see their work showcased in early 2025, culminating in a community event that celebrates their contributions. Zanelli's project not only highlights the unique experiences of Roxby Downs youth but also fosters a sense of community and creativity.
“The kids sort of live within the orbit of that,” she reflects on their lives intertwined with the mining culture.
“I take care of what's mine by Emmaline Zanelli is on display at Samstag Gallery until November 29, 2024.
Magic Cave, a companion installation, can be seen at ACE Gallery until December 14, 2024.
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