Wandjina!
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | ABC Television |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Children's science fantasy television series |
Wandjina! was a children's science fantasy television program from Australia, produced by ABC Television and first broadcast in 1966. Drawing inspiration from the Dreamtime legends of the Kimberley area, the storyline centers on three adolescents who become involved in a quest connected to sacred Aboriginal cave art depicting the Wandjina—the so-called "sky people" who visited during the Dreamtime era.
This series marked ABC Sydney’s initial venture into drama that integrated both film and videotape elements.
Synopsis
The narrative follows a group of researchers, among them Miss Smith, as they examine mysterious occurrences in the Australian desert. Anthropologist Donald MacPherson discovers Aboriginal cave artwork portraying the 'Wandjina', an alien species believed to have interacted with ancient Indigenous Australians. Indications imply some of these beings may still be present today. Donald’s daughter Ann, together with Linda, an Aboriginal girl, investigate Wandjina caves near Booala Station and come across a burial chamber filled with skeletons. They observe unusual events, including a cloaked figure silently hunting kangaroos using a rod, and Wandjina entities resembling monks equipped with astronaut-style life-support backpacks. Their headquarters is situated within a lighthouse-like structure overlooking farmland.
In one installment, powerful winds arise following the excavation of the Wandjina Skull—an elongated skull—from beneath the sand.
Production
The series was adapted from the radio drama Country of the Skull authored by G. K. Saunders, who also created The Stranger. Production commenced in September 1965 with on-location filming across Western New South Wales at sites such as Cooper's Creek and Broken Hill, complemented by studio recordings at ABC’s facilities. A notable casting choice included white actress Julianna Allan portraying an Aboriginal character.
Reception
According to a review in the Canberra Times, the show lacked authenticity, particularly criticizing the depiction of Linda—played by a white actress wearing noticeable makeup and delivering an unconvincing accent—which detracted from its credibility. The critique implied that the producers may have underestimated the discerning nature of their teenage viewers.