The Uluru Dialogue – the architects of the Uluru Statement – have launched their 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 remind Australians they have a chance to change history for the better.
The ad campaign was launched yesterday and features an A-team of industry talent. Joining John Farnham, the campaign brings together filmmaker Warwick Thornton, film production company Photoplay, media agency OMD, creative agency The Monkeys, TalentWorks’ Tim Wheatley, and PR company Porter Novelli.
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 that are now forged in our 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 the purpose of the film is to mobilise the nation and motivate people to support the Voice as the next chapter in Australia’s history.
“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,” Professor Davis said.
“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 are proud to finally announce and launch the use of this iconic song and partnership between John Farnham and the Uluru Dialogue. The number one question Aussies have asked me for six years is ‘Have you thought of Johnny Farnham and You’re 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.”
John Farnham and Tim Wheatley
The partnership sees John Farnham AO lending his voice to the Voice and says 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,” Farnham said.
Tim Wheatley, John Farnham’s close friend and son of his manager Glenn Wheatley, said the iconic song is aligned with humanity and is a song for all Australians.
“You’re the Voice is not aligned with any political party. It is aligned with humanity. It’s a song for all Australians. Always has been, always will be,” Wheatley said.
“Win or lose this referendum, this song will forever remain on the right side of history. Both John and my father have fiercely protected this song’s use for decades, I think for this very moment.”
Pat Anderson AO, Alyawarre woman and co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue said she hopes the film will remind the nation of the historic opportunity we all have by 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,” Anderson said.
“The Voice is a simple proposal. Listening leads to better decisions. This is a proposal supported by 83 per cent of First Peoples, because they know when we have a say, it means better outcomes for our communities for generations.”
Working on the ad campaign with John Farnham
The campaign was developed by The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, alongside Professor Megan Davis and historian Professor Clare Wright OAM. It was produced by Photoplay and directed by Kaytetye man and award-winning feature film director and cinematographer, Warwick Thornton. The film is the first commercial directed by Thornton.
“When asked to work on this project, I 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,” Thornton said.
Professor Wright OAM said as a 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. History is not inevitable. We, the people, all make history. This campaign is a reflection of that truth.”
To download and view the film, visit: https://youtu.be/br8dB_0z3Fk
For more information on the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart, visit https://ulurustatement.org/
To show your support for the Voice, download assets from the Supporter Kit here: https://ulurustatement.org/take-action/supporter-kit/
Campaign 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
Head of APAC: Michael Szumowski
Sound Design: MassiveMusic
Head of Sound: Simon Kane
GM/EP: Katrina Aquilia
Music Production, Remastering: Turning Studios
Composer/ Producer/ Founder: Elliot Wheeler
Producer: Carla de Menezes Ribeiro
Archival Footage Production: Savage Archive
Archive Producer: Lisa Savage
Photography: Benjamin Fry, WestFilm
See also: Beyond’s John Farnham hit movie: Audiences had no problem Finding The Voice
Exclusive Mediaweek podcast: TV Gold on Finding the Voice
To coincide with the home entertainment release of the John Farnham feature-length documentary Finding the Voice, the weekly podcast TV Gold has recorded a special episode dedicated to the Australian singing superstar. TV Gold hosts Andrew Mercado and James Manning are joined by co-manager and long-time Farnham family friend David Wilson who reveals the lengthy discussions he and Glenn Wheatley initially had with John about making the documentary. David also discusses the highlights of John’s career as captured by the filmmakers. This is the perfect audio companion for the DVD release of the feature-length doco.
Listen to the podcast on your favourite audio platform.