Story: Behind the scenes: The Smoking Ceremony

Here is an interesting behind-the-scenes story from the Nia's Melancholy site.

"It was important for the writer/director and the Kuku Yalanji Community at Mossman Gorge, where we shot the film, to be welcomed to their country in a smoking ceremony that would also keep away any bad spirits and accidents to all of our cast and crew.

"This ceremony took place the day before filming began and it was a very spiritual experience for everybody as most of our crew were from urban parts of Australia or overseas. The comforting words of the Elders protected us effectively during the whole week of production, as no accident or major delays were experienced and we enjoyed perfect weather conditions.

"However, the day after we wrapped and left Mossman, the area was flooded with torrential rain that would have kept us from filming."