The Uluru Dialogue's 'You're The Voice' via The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song

Featuring John Farnham.

The Uluru Dialogue – the architects of the Uluru Statement – have launched its new film, 'You’re the Voice', pairing John Farnham’s iconic song with transformative moments in Australia’s history to galvanise support for its YES campaign on the referendum for a First Nations Voice.

As the next iteration of the 'History is Calling' campaign, the new film is a direct call to action to Australians.

The film starts in the 1980s - at the time the now iconic song was released - and follows a family through the years as they witness several key moments which are now forged in the county's collective memory playing out on their TV screen: the 1967 referendum, the Mabo decision, America’s Cup, the Uluru handback, Cathy Freeman’s gold medal, the 1996 gun reform, the 2008 apology and the marriage equality plebiscite.

Professor Megan Davis, Cobble Cobble woman and co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue, said 'You’re the Voice' is the nation’s unofficial anthem.

"I was in primary school when it was released and, as a young girl, instantaneously felt the power of its message about agency and walking together. It is an empowering message,” said Davis.

“History isn’t just something we witness and observe, but something we ourselves can influence. And now we all have a voice in what happens at this critical moment, and we must use it.”

“Through Australia’s history, we as a nation have debated and discussed major change on the grounds of fear and uncertainty. Whether it was Mabo and native title laws, Howard’s gun control laws, the apology to the stolen generations, or marriage equality… there are always fears for the worst. But time and time again history has proven those fears were unfounded and we believe it will be the same with the Voice.

“We hope You’re the Voice will show Australians that we all have a role to play in making this referendum a success, and that it will inspire people to walk with us on this movement for a better future.”

Farnham he hopes the song will help change the lives of First Nations Peoples; this is the first-time permission has ever been granted for its use in a commercial. 

"This song changed my life. I can only hope that now it might help, in some small way, to change the lives of our First Nations Peoples for the better,” said Farnham.

Pat Anderson, Alyawarre woman and co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue, said she hopes the film will remind the nation of the historic opportunity of voting Yes for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice and has urged the Australian public to get behind the movement.

“When it matters most, Australians show up for each other. You’re the Voice is archival proof of the people of this country using their voice to show up and stand on the right side of history. We’ve made history before and very soon we will have the chance to do it again,” said Anderson.  

“The Voice is a simple proposal. Listening leads to better decisions. This is a proposal supported by 83% of First Peoples, because they know when we have a say, it means better outcomes for our communities for generations.”

The campaign was developed by The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, alongside professor Megan Davis and historian professor Clare Wright.

It was produced by Photoplay and directed by Kaytetye man and film director and cinematographer, Warwick Thornton. The film is the first commercial directed by Thornton.

Thornton said when he was asked to work on this project, he instantly said yes and it has been an honour.

"It has empowered me. I feel all the films I have made have been practice for this one very important and beautiful film," he said.

Wright said as an historian, she knows history never ‘just happens’.
 
“History is made by people turning up at the turning points when their actions and their courage and their ambition matter most," she said.

"History is not inevitable. We, the people, all make history. This campaign is a reflection of that truth.”
 
 
Credits:
 
Client: The Uluru Dialogue
Historical Consultant: Professor Clare Wright OAM
Producer: TalentWorks & Wheatley
Creative Agency: The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song
Media Agency: OMD
Public Relations: Porter Novelli
 
Production Company: Photoplay
Director / DP: Warwick Thornton
Executive Producer / Producer: Emma Thompson
Production Manager: Rachael Dore
Production Designer: Kerrie van Lambaart
Wardrobe: Joanna Mae Park
Gaffer: Andy Robertson
Grip: David Griffiths
Casting: Anousha Zarkesh
Post Production: White Chocolate
Editor: Simon Njoo
Colourist: Trish Cahill
Online Artist: David Mosqueda & Chris Grocott
 
Music Supervision: Big Sync Music