Countryman succeeds as an intimate exploration into the connections between indigenous and Croatian Australians, while delving into questions about heritage, identity, and the notion of “country.”

The debut documentary by Peter Pecotic, Countryman explores the unique cultural tapestry of Australia through the stories of Australians, immigrant and indigenous, and the spiritual connections to their lands home and away. It results in a fascinating and moving experience that embraces its themes with an open heart and adventurous spirit.

The film begins with Pecotic retracing the path once taken by his late father who, a year after his arrival to Australian in 1956, drove 10,000 km from Sydney to Far North Queensland to visit family and friends from his homeland of Croatia. During Pecotic’s own story of self-discovery he met Joseph Williams, a Waramungu man and renowned artists from the Northern Territory, who also has Croatian ancestry in the form of a long absent father.

A unique bond and friendship are developed between Pecotic and Williams and forms the nucleus of Countryman as these different men – one white, the other black; one from the sea, the other from the bush; one indigenous, the other first generation Australian –learn how their shared heritage formed their own connections to Australia as a country and a land.

As such there is a strong spiritual resonance that is felt throughout Countryman, as Pecotic examines the strong link between the Aboriginal people and their land, and applies it to the connection Croatian immigrants (and their offspring) have towards both their ancestral homeland and new home of Australia upon which they have built new foundations.

Pecotic leaves himself open to be both student and teacher, soaking in Williams’ observations and wisdom, while teaching Williams the finer points about Croatian culture and language. It all speaks to a level of respect, open mindedness, and reconciliation that Australia as a country can learn many lessons from.