Tjanpi Animations
Tjanpi is proud to have produced a total of four short stop-motion animations:
• Kukaputju – The Hunter (2021)
• Tangki – Donkey (2021)
• Ngayuku Papa: Bluey and Big Boy (2018)
• Ngayuku Papa: Tiny (2018)
These multi-year animation projects arose from Tjanpi’s artist-led imperative to explore different storytelling methods using fibre artwork. Animation has proved to be an exceptional medium for the tactile art form, inherently complimenting the whimsy nature of Tjanpi sculptures. Our animations offer important insights into Anangu lives, told through Anangu voices, in Anangu languages and on Anangu Country.
Upcoming Screenings
Aboriginal Art Co South Brisbane, QLD
Thursday 2 May - Saturday 8 June 2024
Screening Ngayuku (My Dog): Bluey and Big Boy and Ngayuku (My Dog): Tiny
Teacher Resources
An ATOM study guide covering both films is also available (free for the first 6 months after publication). The study guide is tailored to the primary school curriculum and has lots of great classroom activities – many of which can be adapted for older students.
Tangki (Donkey)
Three Anangu women of different generations tell the story of how donkeys came to be malpa wiru, valuable friends and helpers, to families in the desert community of Pukatja /Ernabella in the APY Lands of northern South Australia. At first wary of these strange animals, Anangu quickly became fond of the donkeys. They would set off on them for picnics and longer journeys, always returning home safely. With the arrival of cars, people’s relationship with donkeys changed. But one special donkey found a different way to remain a good friend to people in Pukatja.
Directed and animated by Jonathan Daw.
Tangki Tjuta – Donkeys, a dual language children’s picture book based on Tangki, is available to purchase here.
This film was supported by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and the Arts program.
Kukaputju (The Hunter)
It’s another day in the life of Pitjantjatjara woman Yanyangkari Roma Butler, and she goes hunting in the bush with her clever dog, Kungka. Together they track down an animal that is notoriously difficult to catch – and very tasty. Yanyangkari prepares the animal and cooks it up for a delicious meal with her companions.
Directed and animated by Jonathan Daw.
This film was supported by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and the Arts program.
Ngayuku Papa (My Dog): Bluey and Big Boy
A story about Maureen Butler-Baker’s two dogs, Bluey and Big Boy. While dogs are great companions in community, they also help in the hunt for traditional foods such as perentie, and introduced species such as rabbits.
Directed and animated by Jonathan Daw.
This film was supported by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and the Arts program.
Ngayuku Papa (My Dog): Tiny
A tale of community life and a beautiful friendship between a woman and a dog. Through the unique and creative medium of Tjanpi, Cynthia Burke tells the story of her beloved dog, Tiny. Together they live, work, travel and bring up children and puppies.
‘I did a project […] to make an animation with Tjanpi. I told the story of my dog Tiny in that animation, which I liked doing because I got to learn something new and how to do Tjanpi in different ways.’
- Cynthia Burke, Warakurna, WA
This film was supported by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and the Arts program.