User Reviews

This is the true story of two families of lovely, innocent people whose lives have been ruined by government policies of taking aboriginal children from their mothers. At the centre is Brenda, charged at the age of 2 years with being a neglected child, grabbed by authorities without warning, separated from her brothers and sisters and placed in foster care with a well-meaning white family. Then, after several years of inclusion with her new parents and siblings, she was abruptly separated from them without further contact and returned to her original family.

Grief, loss and separation permeate the lives of all involved, leaving it to the adult Brenda to reconcile the damaged lives of both families and herself. Brenda's first memories were of growing up in a loving white family. Decades later she feels disconnected from both halves of her life. Naturally, this is a story saturated with emotions and hurt. Hearts all round have been broken and two families torn apart.

Brenda's efforts to repair the harm to all her loved ones unearth records that show the failings and lies of the welfare department through her sorry young life.

The Last Daughter is a documentary about Brenda's journey to find the truth of a part of our history that has been swept under the carpet. So much has been irretrievably lost by so many, all victims of the Australian government's genocidal policies to eradicate the First Nations. The further worry is that while this story starts in the 1970s, it is not even consigned to the past, with the taking of aboriginal children continuing today.

Enjoyed listening to your story and so sorry you went through all of this but wow what a wonderful ending. Your ability to see your story from both sides is so heart warming. I so wish more people could come together like you have brought your families together.

It is hard to comprehend what happened to you and so many others but the way you told your story was a wonderful insight into what actually happened and it's important these stories are told. It's also equally important like you say that they stay a part of history and we move forward. You tell your story and articulate your message so well.

I'm so glad you found peace. Keep smiling and thank you for sharing.

Okkkkk, so I am officially a dude who is " Australian"...I was born here, and raised here all my life, to parents who emigrated from Macedonia and Greece. My first language growing up was both Greek and Macedonian, and English became the third language I learnt. I consider myself Aussie, 100 %, but my heart is Greek. Howeverrrrr..... i have always been aware of the history of Australia. I have ALWAYS been PRO aboriginal in all matters/ This documentary was the best Ive ever watched. This movie made me remind myself.... where my country truly came from. First nations. And it showed me the dsgsusting manner how white people treated the first nations.

Watched this film not knowing what it was about, wow I'm so glad I pressed play.... SO moving and heartbreaking what all these families went through. Still wasn't all that long ago. It truely Breaks my heart what these families went through, could not imagine if that happened to me and my family, of course it wouldn't though as I'm white! Loved the documentary, had many tears.l throughout the whole film. Everyone needs to watch this film. I learnt so much about what happened that I didn't know. It has opened my eyes. Imagine being a young child and being taken from your family, not once but twice. Just horrible.

This is a gut-wrenching tale told in an understated, gracious manner. Brenda is so eloquent as she discusses the terrible injustices experienced by her and her two families. Such a devastating experience, common to too many First Nations people in Australia and across the world.

Brenda has now written a book and is currently touring to promote it. I hope to attend an upcoming event near me. Thank you for sharing your story- it took incredible courage to commence the journey into the past. My heart kept breaking for you and your loved ones.

All Australians should watch this film. Don't miss it.

This is the most incredible movie or documentary about two families who loved one daughter. Brenda and her brothers and sisters were taken from their parents when she was only 2 years old and the family she went to were told that she was neglected and they could eventually adopt her . She fitted into her white family so well and she was loved by everyone, her white mum & dad , her brothers , sister , grandmothers , cousins, aunties and uncles, everyone just loved her , but it was all lies . She wasn't neglected at all she was taken from a loving home and her parents were fighting to get all of their children back which eventually happened and Brenda was the last daughter to return. Although this was a happy ending for her black family, her white family were torn apart. They were lied to and after loving Brenda for over 5 years she was then taken from them . Thankfully Brenda never forgot her white family and many many years later they are reunited and not just Brenda but her black family and her white family reunite together It is heartbreaking and heart warming. A MUST SEE !!!!

Wow, such an amazingly well told story. The one line that truly hit me was "The Act may have been abolished, but the action still goes on" or something like that.

I remember as a small child in the 1970's, my parents fostered a brand new baby who was black. I never knew the full details about why he lived with us, but Brenda's story resonated as I know my parents were about to formally adopt "Baby John", when all of a sudden I was told that he had gone back to live with his real parents. I still wonder about him and hope he lived a life of love like Brenda.

This little film should be compulsory watching for all australians and anyone else interested in stories that can get deep into your heart and teach you so much about life.

I watched this last night and was really moved by Brenda's.story and the amazing way she tells it. It's a great example of how storytelling brings understanding and healing.

You are amazing Brenda.

Thank you for having the courage to tell your story Brenda. And thank you to everyone who participated in bringing the real story to life as well. By watching this you could feel everyone's pain.

Such a sad story, but an important story for everyone to hear. I will be telling as many people as I can to go out and watch The Last Daughter.

It's so important that all Australian's understand this story, as just one sad example of this Countries history.

Just woah! The Last Daughter is an extraordinary documentary that reached every part of my soul. It delves into the heart-wrenching story of Brenda, an indigenous woman who was part of the Stolen Generation post "Aborigines Protection Act 1909" an era in Australian history marked by the forced removal of indigenous children from their families. Directed with sensitivity and depth, this powerful film sheds light on Brenda's personal journey, intertwining it with the broader narrative of the Stolen Generation by showing that not all is what it was seen after the act was meant to be abolished in 1969 but therefore only changed and led to the continuous removal of children from their homes in the 1970s. With its emotional resonance, intimate storytelling, and compelling visuals, "The Last Daughter" serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the enduring legacy of historical injustices.

This documentary offers an intimate exploration of Brenda's life, tracing her path forward by revisiting her past from a stolen child to a fierce advocate for truth and reconciliation. Through heartfelt interviews, personal anecdotes, archival footage, and photos Brenda's story unfolds, capturing the pain, loss, and resilience she and families endured.

This film showcases Brenda's courage in confronting her traumatic past, highlighting her journey towards healing and reclaiming her cultural identity. Her narrative serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Last Daughter tackles the dark chapter of Australia's history, the systematic removal of indigenous children from their families and its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. The documentary unveils the harrowing experiences of Brenda and gives remarkable insight into what many others faced like her, shedding light on the long lasting trauma, cultural disconnection, and identity struggles that continue to haunt Stolen Generation survivors. By giving voice to these untold stories, the film generates a profound sense of empathy and compels viewers to confront the painful legacy of colonialism and its ongoing consequences.

The filmmakers employ a masterful blend of personal interviews, archival material, and evocative visuals to immerse viewers in Brenda's world. The narrative unfolds with a poignancy that is bound to leave a lasting impact, as we witness Brenda's emotional journey unfold before our eyes. The documentary's pacing and structure are well crafted, allowing the story to unfold with a natural rhythm that keeps the audience engaged and emotionally invested. The film's soundtrack, composed with sensitivity, amplifies the emotional resonance of Brenda's story, further intensifying the viewer's connection to her experiences.

The Last Daughter is not merely a recounting of past injustices; it is a call to action for healing, understanding, and reconciliation. Through Brenda's story, the documentary urges society to confront the ongoing systemic issues faced by indigenous communities and to actively work towards justice and inclusivity. The film invites viewers to reflect on their own roles in supporting truth, reconciliation, and the preservation of indigenous cultures.

The Last Daughter is a deeply moving and thought provoking documentary that shines a much needed light on the stolen generation and the lasting impacts it has had on individuals like Brenda. With its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and unwavering commitment to truth, the film serves as a vital reminder of the importance of acknowledging historical injustices and working towards healing and reconciliation. This is a must-watch documentary that I felt compelled to watch a second time in one week, this film will leave an indelible mark on its audience, fostering empathy, and understanding.

This is a story / film that all Australians should see . Even if we think we know it , the pain caused to families Black and White needs to be heard again and again . But especially the unnecessary suffering inflicted on Aboriginal people . Black and White people lied to by government. I can imagine no greater pain than having my children taken away ... the lies are unforgivable .... Brenda has taken trauma and turned it into healing ... this film is a credit to her resilience. No wonder Aboriginal and people in general do not trust the government. The two families are the true heroes and of course Brenda.

I found The Last Daughter to be incredibly insightful, moving and educational. I learnt so much about our First Nations People that I wish I'd been taught in school. I cried, got angry at the injustice and cried some more. Make sure you have tissues handy when watching! My only wish is that stories like Aunty Brenda's - the truth - be taught in schools worldwide. I hope this story gains international acclaim so that the truth can finally be heard. Aunty Brenda you are definitely a master story teller. You are an amazingly strong, brave woman and I thank you for sharing your story with the world.

As a secondary school teacher I am glad to finally have a movie that is suitable for my classes. It is the well-paced and sensitively-handled story of Brenda and her search into the pasft or the truth tof her identity and what happened when she was young. It began with snippets of memories of a white sister and the bond they shared, that spurred her on.

I have so much respect for the dignity her birth parents demonstrated and the love shown her by her adoptive parents. The lasting impact of the Stolen Generation on families is so underestimated. I highly recommend this movie. It is one that can be shown in classrooms and is engaging from start to finish.

I am a New Zealander that lives in New Zealand. I didn't really know much about The Stolen Generation and made a decision when Rabbbit Proof Fence came out that I would not watch it because I would not be able to handle watching such atrocities. I managed to get through The Last Daughter and I am so glad I did. Sadness and loss on both sides. I am so glad Brenda was able to make this journey and was strong enough to see it through, to answer so many questions. So much ignorance led to so much hurt for so many years. Thankyou for opening ours eyes. I feel that when we visit Australia next I will have a far greater understanding of the country we are visiting.

Packed with a roller coaster of feelings and emotions this story needs to be shared with everyone at every opportunity. Understanding the host of our country through stories like this will help with the healing that needs to take place so families can begin to live authentic and truthful lives. As a mother I cannot imagine having my children taken from news on the basis of lies and untruth's. The stolen generation is a part of our history that is absolutely unfathomable.

This film will make you feel, it will break your heart and make you want to know more, learn more and really listen, listening to understand and learn. Listen with purpose.

In The Last Daughter Brenda and her family model for us what we can achieve if we pursue love with grace. Days after watching the film I find myself thinking about the power of love, and the gentle, strong, clear example of leadership Brenda embodies as she leads us through her journey of injustice at the hands of the Australian Government, balanced with the values her parents have taught her. Not only am I transformed by her grace and strength, I've learnt about the layers of abuse inflicted on Aboriginal families in the 1960's and 70's which has contributed to my understanding of the complexity of what it will take to continue to fully heal our nation. Thank you to Brenda, her family, and to the film makers who have shared this story with skill and purpose.