The international jury for the 14th Annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards have awarded Purcell for her efforts in writing, directing, producing and starring in the feature film 'The Drover’s Wife: the Legend of Molly Johnson'.
The awards ceremony was held overnight at the Home of The Arts centre on the Gold Coast, and honoured ten films from 11 countries across the region.
On accepting the award, Purcell acknowledged Yugambeh Country where the ceremony was held, and Elders past and present.
“Thankyou... for your recognition of my effort in making this film, the many hats that I wore and the voice that I had given it as a First Nations woman," she told the jury and guests.
She also thanked her family, and the Elders of the Monaro Ngarigo, on whose Country the film was shot.
Purcell closed her speech in her Grandmother’s Language, saying 'Ma altjeringa yirra Baiame (Thanks to the ancestors for this very moment).
In a recent interview on Living Black, Purcell spoke to Karla Grant about her personal connection with the story, originally written by Henry Lawson in 1892.
"I first heard this story when I was 5. I think why it related to me the most is because it's the first time I could use my imagination and put myself in the story," Purcell said.
"This story has been with me for 45 years. And it was really interesting how things just happened. You know, the right people came on to the project. Even the vibe and the feel and working with what nature was throwing at us, everyone was panicking. And I just thought, No let's do it, this is a blessing!"
APSA International Jury member and Sydney Film Festival director Nashen Moodley presented the award to Purcell.
“I am honoured to present you with the Jury Grand Prize, not just for your singular vision in writing, directing, producing and starring in the film but the journey to bring this remarkable story, viewed through the lens of a First Nations woman to the screen in its entirety, through your many multi-award-winning adaptations.”
The Drovers Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson is in cinemas across Australia on May 5, 2022.
