Author(s): ABC

General

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. This telemovie stars Jimi Bani (The Straits, RAN) as Koiki, and Deborah Mailman as Bonita, alongside Colin Friels, Miranda Otto, Rob Carlton, Ewen Leslie and Tom Budge. Directed by Rachel Perkins, written by Sue Smith and produced by Darren Dale and Miranda Dear.