Five questions to actor Elizabeth Wymarra for IndigenousX

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/13/five-questions-to-actor-elizabeth-wymarra-for-indigenousx

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Tell us about who you are, where you are from, and what you do

I’m Elizabeth Wymarra and I’m an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. My mob on my dad’s side are Gudang Aboriginal people from Injinoo and Mapoon community in Cape York, north Queensland. My mum’s side are Wakaith people from Badu Island in the westen Torres Strait region of far north Queensland. I was born on beautiful Waiben, aka Thursday Island, in the Aboriginal community of the Kaurewiag people, although I grew up in Woolloomooloo in Sydney.

I’m a content creator in the creative arts industry. My roles include, but are not limited to, writer/actor/producer/director in TV, film and radio. This basically means I just create stuff and love creating stuff.

My recent work has included writing and acting for ABC’s Aacta award winning show, Black Comedy.

What do you plan to focus on during your week as host of @IndigenousX?

I’m focusing on comedy escapism, Indigenous writing, Indigenous homelessness, Indigenous empowerment, ice/meth awareness, and health and fitness. I’ll also be promoting Indigenous businesses and initiatives, and of course Indigenous people with the X factor.

Who are your role models, and why?

I have a lot of heroes who have shaped and inspired my life. As a woman I think my mum, Joyce Wymarra (Wakaith), is my hero hands down. My dad and brothers – all seven of them (I’m the only girl, no sisters) – are my male heroes. They have taught me a lot about men and are so protective of me. They are my biggest cheer squad. Oh yeah, and they spoil me rotten, setting almost impossible standards for would-be boyfriends! My daughter also inspires me to be a better mum and a better woman.

I’m inspired career-wise by Warrack Thornton, who directed the film Samson and Delilah (2009). I saw his film one day and decided if he could make films, so could I. Uncle Lester Bostock is a trailblazer and trainer in the Indigenous film and TV industry. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be a content maker full stop. People like Rachel Perkins and Pauline Clague inspire me to make no excuses in the story telling process but embrace it and stand up for its form.

Wayne Blair and Adrian Wills are two insanely talented east coast-based Indigenous filmmakers (and my Metro Screen brothers) who have mentored me and keep it real with me, passing knowledge onto me to be a better story teller.

Jon Bell and Aaron Fa’aoso are two Indigenous content makers who always push me to see and create things outside of the box, and I mean ALWAYS!!!

Ned Manning, my drama teacher from way back, one word: respect.

Nova Peris – she, along with Aunty Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, are Aboriginal tenacity in motion, female strength and grace personified to me.

There is such a huge list of people who have influenced and shaped my life in major ways, I just don’t have enough space here to write it all for you mob!

What are your hopes for the future?

What I want changed:

People can get behind these ideas by starting discussions around these issues and starting campaigns to promote and generate support.Most of all, people need to start sharing this stuff around on social media to get the nation talking. Indigenous disadvantage is everybody’s business. A nation is judged by how they treat their poor, marginalised and most vulnerable people.

It’s not impossible, you mob! It’s never impossible.

Above all, I would like people to remember that the Indigenous issues in this country have not been caused by Indigenous people – “We are are not the problem,” says Rosalie Kunoth-Monks.