Blue Water Empire

M2019

DocumentaryDrama

A dramatised-documentary series giving a unique insight into the compelling history of the Torres Strait Islands, told through key stories by the men and women of the region.

Open in PickFlick

Production

Bunya Productions

Language

Status

Ended

First Aired

June 25, 2019

Last Aired

July 9, 2019

Networks

ABC TV

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

No providers available for this region.

Available in Your Library

Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

Episode 1

Air date: 2019-06-25

An introduction to the Torres Straits and a fascinating exploration of the concepts that shaped Torres Strait Islander culture and custom before white settlement.

Episode 2

Air date: 2019-07-02

The pearling boom brings thousands of strangers to the region and has a profound economic and cultural impact on the Torres Strait. Missionaries introduce Christianity which affect traditional language, dance and tradition.

Episode 3

Air date: 2019-07-09

After the collapse of pearling, many Torres Strait Islanders are forced to migrate to the mainland for work. Legendary leaders like Eddie Koiki Mabo and George Mye take huge strides towards returning autonomy to the Torres Strait island people, while the tragic sinking of the Malu Sara demonstrates the power still held by authorities over islander lives today.