'' Jedda '' ( released in the UK as Jedda the Uncivilized ) is a 1955 Australian film written , produced and directed by Charles Chauvel . His last film , it is notable for being the first to star two Aboriginal actors , Robert Tudawali , and Ngarla Kunoth , now known as Rosalie Kunoth-Monks , in the leading roles . It was also the first Australian feature film to be shot in colour . '' Jedda '' is seen by some as an influential film in the development of Australian cinema , as setting a new standard for future Australian films . It won more international attention than previous Australian films during a time when Hollywood films were dominating the Australian cinema . Chauvel , was nominated for the Golden Palm Award in the 1955 Cannes Film Festival , but lost to Delbert Mann for '' Marty ''
1955 Cannes Film Festival
1955 Cannes Film Festival
Jedda