Synopsis

The Forgotten examines the prejudice faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait soldiers in the armed forces and the honour they felt representing their nation. It is also a work that explains what prompted Indigenous people to risk their lives fighting to defend Australia even though they had every reason not to, given the backdrop of racism and intolerance they and their family members were forced to endure at home.

Glen Stasiuk was inspired by his family's own history and the respect he felt for the Anzac "black diggers". Consequently, The Forgotten contains a personal story about four Noongar brothers from the South-West of Western Australia, one of whom is acknowledged as the first Aboriginal Soldier to receive a military medal in the First World War.

The Forgotten features war veterans and family member's personal experiences and thoughts from both World Wars, as well as veterans who served in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and East Timor.

[The Forgotten] is for [Aboriginal soldiers] and all the other Aboriginal people who have fought for our country and not gotten the recognition that they deserved.

— Glen Stasiuk, director

The Forgotten is probably the first serious work committed to film that explains the contribution of Indigenous men and women for Australia during times of conflict.

— National Indigenous Times