We Are Still Here (2023) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A multi-era anthology exploring the enduring trauma and resilience of Indigenous peoples under settler colonialism.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Colonial Shadows & Historical Echoes

The film opens with historical colonial attacks and settler betrayals, establishing the deep roots of Indigenous trauma. Fisherwomen face slavetraders while an Indigenous man uncovers a devastating family massacre.

Key Events

• Colonial Attack on Fisherwomen — British slavetrader ships attack two Indigenous fisherwomen. Location: Tasman Sea
• Psychedelic Tradition Clash — Women experience a surreal tug-of-war between tradition and modernity. Location: Surreal Dreamscape
• Settler's Request for Aid — Indigenous man agrees to help a white settler locate his family. Location: Colonial Outpost
• Family Massacre Revelation — Man discovers his own family was killed by the colonizers led by the settler. Location: Village Ruins

Crossing Lines & Future Dystopia

Narratives shift to WWI cross-enemy friendships and a young Māori woman mobilizing resistance. The timeline jumps to a dystopian future where a girl searches for medicine under a brutal regime.

Key Events

• Family Massacre Revelation — Man discovers his own family was killed by the colonizers led by the settler. Location: Village Ruins
• Māori Resistance Proposal — Young woman convinces her hesitant father to join the resistance against British occupation. Location: Tribal Grounds
• Father's Safety Dilemma — Father fears for the safety of his family and community before deciding. Location: Family Home
• WWI Trench Encounter — Opposing soldiers from WWI find common ground despite language barriers. Location: Western Front
• Cross-Cultural Friendship — Soldiers build a bond transcending their assigned enemy roles. Location: No Man's Land
• Dystopian Colony Descent — Future narrative shifts to a dystopian regime deporting Indigenous peoples as slave labor. Location: Off-World Transport

Modern Resistance & Systemic Violence

Contemporary stories emerge as a mother is assaulted by state security, sparking an activist's arson plot. Riots erupt, and a young man witnesses police brutality while another faces discriminatory targeting.

Key Events

• Dystopian Colony Descent — Future narrative shifts to a dystopian regime deporting Indigenous peoples as slave labor. Location: Off-World Transport
• Medicine Quest Begins — Girl embarks on a dangerous journey to find medicine for her sick father. Location: Dystopian City
• Mother's Violent Assault — Mother is brutally assaulted in a racist attack by state security officers. Characters: Mother Location: Urban Street
• Activist's Vow — Activist and graffiti artist plans to burn down Cook's Cottage with a new friend. Characters: Mother Location: Safehouse
• Riot Outbreak — Young man reeling from loss searches for family during widespread riots. Location: City Square
• Police Brutality Witnessed — Young man witnesses firsthand the systemic police brutality against protesters. Location: Protest Zone

Arson, Reflection & Unbroken Spirit

The climax sees the planned burning of Cook's Cottage and confrontations with authority. The anthology resolves with themes of intergenerational resilience and the enduring presence of Indigenous cultures.

Key Events

• Police Brutality Witnessed — Young man witnesses firsthand the systemic police brutality against protesters. Location: Protest Zone
• Alcohol Purchase Attempt — Man in Northern Territory attempts to buy alcohol despite illegal restrictions. Location: Remote Store
• Police Targeting — Man is unfairly targeted and harassed by white police officers. Location: Roadside Checkpoint
• Cottage Infiltration Plan — Activists prepare to execute the arson plan against the colonial symbol. Location: Cook's Cottage Exterior
• Arson Execution — The planned burning of Cook's Cottage begins amidst rising tension. Location: Cook's Cottage
• Intergenerational Trauma — Characters reflect on the enduring impact of colonial violence across generations. Characters: Mother Location: Memorial Site
• Cultural Resilience — Indigenous peoples assert their continued presence and resistance. Location: Coastal Shore
• Historical Echoes — Past, present, and future narratives converge thematically. Location: Montage
• Unbroken Spirit — The anthology concludes with a powerful statement on enduring Indigenous survival. Characters: Mother Location: Open Landscape

Story Breakdown

• Historical Colonial Violence — Early narratives depicting direct colonial attacks and settler betrayals.
  • Fisherwomen Attack — Slavetrader ships assault Indigenous women at sea.
  • Settler Betrayal — A promised family reunion reveals a devastating massacre.
• Cross-Cultural Bonds — Stories highlighting unexpected connections across enemy lines.
  • WWI Enemy Friendship — Opposing soldiers find common ground in the trenches.
  • Māori Resistance Mobilization — A young woman persuades her father to join the fight.
• Dystopian Future Struggle — A speculative future where Indigenous peoples face systemic enslavement.
  • Off-World Colony Descent — A brutal regime deportates Indigenous populations as labor.
  • Medicine Quest Mission — A daughter risks everything to save her ailing father.
• Modern Activism & Protest — Contemporary narratives of direct action against colonial symbols.
  • Mother's Assault Incident — A racist attack by state security sparks outrage.
  • Cottage Arson Planning — Activists organize to burn a historic colonial landmark.
• Systemic Discrimination — Everyday encounters with institutional racism and police brutality.
  • Riot & Police Brutality — A young man witnesses state violence during civil unrest.
  • Alcohol Purchase Targeting — An Indigenous man faces harassment for a simple purchase.
• Intergenerational Resilience — Thematic convergence emphasizing survival and cultural continuity.
  • Cultural Memory Reflection — Characters process the weight of historical and modern trauma.
  • Unbroken Indigenous Spirit — The anthology closes on a note of enduring presence.

Directed by

Chantelle Burgoyne, Miki Magasiva, Dena Curtis

Key Cast

• Clarence John Ryan — Ken
• Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne — Te Mauniko
• Leonie Whyman — Janet
• Calvin Tuteao — Hokonui
• Meyne Wyatt — Michael