Who Do You Think You Are? Kate Ceberano

2008, 52 Minutes

Singer Kate Ceberano is convinced she is descended from ‘pirates and bums’ but as she delves into her family tree she uncovers links to landed gentry, as well as an artistic past.

Kate’s expectations are inflated when she learns that one early ancestor, an entrepreneurial Swede, was an inventive pioneer and ultimately a pillar of the establishment of the Mallee region of Australia .

On the trail of a mysterious Spanish sea captain, she heads to Tasmania where she finds, to her delight, a relationship with music teacher-turned-artist Henry Mundy. It is a thrilling discovery. After years of being asked where she found her passion for music, finally she knows—it is in her genes.

Kate will cross cities and cultures in the search for her past, uncovering pioneers and colonialists along the way. Venturing back six generations, she discovers that far from convict stock, one of her earliest Australian ancestors was the commandant of a penal colony.

Most importantly, the experience convinces Kate that she should continue along her path, making music for others to enjoy.

A Film Australia National Interest Program, Serendipity Productions, Artemis International production in association with ScreenWest and Lotterywest and SBS Independent. Format licensed by Wall to Wall Media Ltd. The Who Do You Think You Are? word mark and logo are trade marks of Wall to Wall Media Limited and are used under licence.
© 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Artemis International, Serendipity Productions, ScreenWest and Lotterywest, SBS Independent.

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