Under a Bamboo Sky

Special Cinema Events Pre Anzac Day 2026

A tale of human connection, hope and resilience in the face of great tragedy, Under a Bamboo Sky uses new technology to bring to life the unbelievable story of Australian soldiers held prisoner by the Japanese in WWII.

Using their own words, their own voices, Under a Bamboo Sky weaves the recollections (oral testimony) of more than 60 former POWs together with newly colourised archival material and new location footage to deliver a moving, intimate and revelatory first-hand account of their experience.

Captured during the Japanese offensive and imprisoned in Singapore’s Changi Barracks, the film follows the years long journey of these soldiers through four countries: forced into slave labour building the Thai Burma Railway, shipwrecked at sea, and sent into factories and down coal mines in Japan. After bearing witness to some of WWII’s most history-defining events, they tell of returning home to families, wives and sweethearts after years away, and of the price they paid for the trauma they endured.

Shining through the horrors of war is the spirit of these men who, remarkably, demonstrate an inspiring human capacity to find beauty in their surroundings and hold onto hope in the worst of circumstances. Under A Bamboo Sky is their story.

As part of this project, efforts are underway to reconnect with the families and descendants of the 63 soldiers whose voices feature in the film.

Visit the MHHV Events Page for Victorian Screenings

Could your family be connected to this story?

We invite the Military History & Heritage Victoria community to explore the full list of names and help share these stories ensuring that the voices of those who endured are not only remembered, but reconnected with the families and communities they belong to.

The documentary, Under a Bamboo Sky, will have special event screenings nationally in the lead up to ANZAC Day, and we would love to have family, friends and descendants in the audience! Find a screening near you at www.underabamboosky.com

You can also explore the full list of voices here: www.underabamboosky.com or go directly to here

VICTORIA
● Captain Charles (Geoffrey) Lovett (aka Chiller)
2/29th Australian Infantry Battalion, VX39011
Born June 29th, 1917

● Gunner Colin (Ernest) Finkemeyer
2/4th Anti-Tank Regiment, VX39497
Born November 24th, 1920

● Private Colin Hamley
2/2nd Pioneer Battalion, VX14157
Born June 30th, 1919

● Lieutenant Franklyn (William) Nankervis (aka Frank)
2/29th Australian Infantry Battalion, VX38088
Born June 1st, 1919

● Gunner Frederick (Charles) Dunn (aka Bill)
2/4th Anti-Tank Regiment, VX54758
Born April 6th, 1920

● Sergeant Ian (Charles William) Wall (aka Icca)
22/10th Field workshop 8th Division AATTV, VX64118
Born November 8th, 1919 (Gave false Born at enlistment)

● Corporal Ian McFarlane
2/10 Field Company, VX35527
Born March 13th, 1918

● Gunner James (Lindsay) Kerr
2/4th Anti-Tank Regiment, VX50606
Born February 5th, 1920

● Private Maric (Jeggo) Gilbert (Eddie)
2/21st Infantry Battalion, VX31080
Born 24 Apr, 1920

● Petty Officer Raymond Parkin
Royal Australian Navy, 19127, HMAS Perth
Born November 6th, 1910

● Private Raymond Wheeler (aka Snowy)
2/10 Ordnance Workshop, VX61409
Born July 30th, 1922

● Private Robert (William) Christie
2/29th Australian Infantry Battalion, VX48633
Born February 28th, 1917

● Lieutenant Russell (Harold) Durrant (aka Russ)
2/4th Anti-Tank Regiment, VX37814
Born June 22nd, 1917

● Private William (Alfred) Flowers (aka Bill)
2/9 Field Ambulance, VX27026
Born September 22nd, 1919