australian television information archive

Mabo

Sunday, June 10, 2012 (ABC1)
Ratings: 544,000 viewers (11th)
Written by Sue Smith
Directed by Rachel Perkins

MABO tells the story of Eddie Koiki Mabo, the Torres Strait Islander who left school at fifteen, yet spearheaded the High Court challenge that once and for all overthrew the notion of terra nullius. Hand- in-hand with this David and Goliath legal battle is the tender love story of Koiki and Bonita, the woman he met as a teenager, and loved through thirty years of marriage and the raising of ten children. It tells of the deep love and partnership that fuelled their fight for Australian law to recognise traditional land rights. Although Koiki never lived to hear the High Courts decision that returned his land to him, the name Mabo has become known nationwide.

Cast: Jimi Bani, Deborah Mailman, Ewen Leslie, Tom Budge, Colin Friels, Miranda Otto, Felix Williamson, Rob Carlton, Leon Ford