Colleano Heart Screening: In Conversation with Simon Marnie

Join them for a screening of Colleano Heart followed by a conversation with Simon Marnie, Deb Hescott and writer/director Pauline Clague.

The Colleano Heart tells the remarkable true story of the Colleano family, an Aboriginal Australian circus dynasty who rose from humble beginnings in the Australian bush to international fame in the early 20th century. Led by Con Colleano, celebrated worldwide as the "Wizard of the Wire" the family captivated audiences across Europe and America with their extraordinary high-wire performances, mingling with celebrities, royalty and political leaders.

Drawing on rare family home movies, archival footage and interviews, the documentary reveals how the Colleanos concealed their Indigenous heritage to overcome racism and restrictive Australian laws while building a global circus legacy. As the filmmaker investigates the family's history, she uncovers hidden connections and long-buried secrets alongside descendants and family historians.

The film explores themes of identity, resilience and survival, ultimately revealing the Colleanos as members of Australia's Hidden Generation of Aboriginal people. It celebrates their achievements while reclaiming an important First Nations story that had been obscured for decades, restoring the family's place in both circus history and Australia's cultural heritage.