What Do We Want? (2022)

An army of First Nations warriors come out to play in Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie's latest action-packed video. In a martial arts dojo, the Sensei cries "What Do We Want?" the students respond, "Land Back. Sovereignty. Freedom!", vocalising demands of environmental, political and social concern affecting Indigenous people. What Do We Want? takes influence from martial arts films including Blaxploitation movies from the 1970s and 80s; utilising the medium to make a statement about authenticity, respect, bravery and collective power. The students in What Do We Want? become a force to be reckoned with. Rennie's work presents us with urgent questions that require action and response. Displayed in a massive three-channel video installation, the work loudly and proudly conveys the diversity of First Nations peoples, and the ongoing fight for justice that unifies them in a world premiere not to be missed.