Bamay is a "slow TV" program currently streaming on SBS On Demand that reveals a new perspective on some of the local landscape
The visuals are mostly drone footage of the natural environment, accompanied by occasional text detailing features.
Slow television earns the name for the long duration and sluggish pace of the programs, which might include showing a train journey from start to finish.
Bamay shows stretches of waterways and includes the Murrumbidgee River as well as tributaries such as Yanco Creek and dams Burrinjuck and Blowering.
Then, from what I've seen so far, the presentation moves between different streams with laidback music and snippets of information including First Nations and other roles for these landmarks.
The perspective is one that's only occasionally glimpsed from an airplane.
Aside from the brown water bursting the banks in places, the plants look surprisingly and refreshingly green.
It's not clear what the intent of the program's producers are but I came to the conclusion that Bamay offers a contemporary take on First Nations art.
Many Australian Aboriginal artworks present a map-like view of the landscape and often reference culturally significant sites.
My impression is that Bamay invites viewers to take a fresh look at our common wealth and the textual information presents both European and First Nations details – and that combination is the sort of narrative Australia needs right now.
