The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson is the first Australian feature film with an Indigenous woman writing, directing and performing the lead role. In this episode, Anna Smith interviews the amazing Leah Purcell, who shares how she turned her favourite childhood story into a book, a play and now a film. Leah talks about the differences between the experiences, about working with her partner and about what the film has to say about women and the Indigenous people of Australia.

Next, Anna chats to actor-director Kerry Fox, who has starred in many films, including Jane Campion’s An Angel At My Table, Little Joe and The Colour Room. Kerry gives her perspective on The Drover’s Wife, considering the influence of Jane Campion’s work. Meanwhile Anna recommends other feminist westerns to watch, as well as a couple of other new releases. The pair also look ahead to this year’s Cannes Film Festival, and Kerry shares her stories of attending Madonna’s party with Danny Boyle when attending the festival with the film Shallow Grave.

You can find out more at modernfilms.com/droverswife

This episode is in partnership with Modern Films.