IJET-34 is pleased to open its screening of the documentary Japarta to members of the public.
Join us for a special screening of this moving and inspiring film about Japanese scholar Minoru Hokari and the Gurindji Elders who entrusted him with sharing their stories with a wider world.
Saturday 5 September 2026
Storey Hall, RMIT University, Melbourne
Recent Recognition
Japarta recently received two awards at The Archaeology Channel International Film Festival in Oregon, USA:
* Audience Favourite
* Most Inspirational Film
The film also received four honourable mentions across multiple categories.
About the Film
In 1966, Gurindji workers walked off the Wave Hill cattle station in the Northern Territory, beginning a landmark struggle for Aboriginal land rights.
Years later, a brilliant young Japanese scholar named Minoru Hokari became fascinated by Gurindji history and culture. His curiosity led him to Australia, where he formed a close relationship with Gurindji Elders and a deep connection with Gurindji Country.
Welcomed by the Gurindji and given the skin name Japarta, Minoru spent many months living on Country, learning from Elders and developing a deep understanding of Gurindji ways of knowing and remembering history.
Guided by Gurindji Elders, he came to understand history not simply as something recorded in books, but as something lived, remembered and felt through everyday life.
As Minoru wrote:
"History should be listened to, seen and felt around yourself in your everyday life."
Through his research, writing and photography, Minoru helped bring Gurindji perspectives to a wider international audience. Before his untimely death from cancer in 2004 at the age of 32, he completed a PhD at the Australian National University and published influential work on Gurindji understandings of history.
Japarta traces Minoru's spiritual and intellectual journey through memories in Japan and Gurindji Country, exploring themes of history, identity, belonging and cross-cultural connection.
The Filmmakers
Directed by Andrew Pike and Ann McGrath
Produced by Andrew Pike
The film was produced with the support of Screen Canberra and the ACT Government.
The filmmakers gratefully acknowledge the support and encouragement of the Gurindji community and Karungkarni Art and Culture Centre, as well as Yuki Hokari and the Hokari family.
Screening Details
Date:
Saturday 5 September 2026
Venue:
Storey Hall, RMIT University
Building 16
336–348 Swanston Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Schedule
Doors open: 12:00
Film screening: 12:30–2:30 pm
Ticket price: A$20
Bento Lunch Option
Film ticket holders may also purchase a bento lunch prepared by Nosh.
Choose from one of the following bento options:
* Miso Eggplant (vegan)
* Karaage Chicken
* Aburi Salmon
Dietary requirements can be specified when ordering.
Bento (including a non-alcoholic drink): A$25
Who Should Attend?
This screening will appeal to anyone with an interest in Japan–Australia connections, Indigenous history, documentary film, anthropology, history, cultural studies and cross-cultural understanding.
Also at IJET-34
Earlier the same day, IJET-34 will host a public keynote speech by Roger Pulvers:
"I GO AS I GO BY MYSELF"
~ Translating the Human Heart ~
The keynote will explore language, translation and human connection in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Click here to find out more
About IJET-34
Organised by the Japan Association of Translators (JAT), IJET-34 is a two-day conference that brings together translators, interpreters and editors from around the world who work between Japanese and English.
Tickets
Film screening: A$20
Bento (optional): A$25
Click here to purchase
* Bentos must be ordered by 23:59 AEST, 27 August 2026
Please note:
* Advance booking is required. No tickets will be available on the day.
* This event is already included in the registration fee for IJET-34 conference attendees.
* Film tickets are non-refundable.
* Bento orders may be cancelled up until 23:59 AEST on 27 August 2026.
* Alcohol is not permitted in the venue.
* Food and drinks will not be sold at the venue.
* Ticket holders are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Watch the trailer: