Bibi & The Desert Flower
After her artwork is stolen, Indigenous Australian artist Bibi Barba transforms her fight for recognition into a landmark UN–WIPO victory that rewrites how the world protects Indigenous art.
Production Stage
Early Development
Feature Documentary
Intended Format
Synopsis
When Indigenous Australian artist Bibi Barba discovers her artwork Desert Flower copied and used in a Polish hotel without her consent, she embarks on a seven-year battle for justice that takes her from Sydney to the global stage.
What begins as a personal fight to reclaim her stolen art evolves into a mission to protect the cultural rights of Indigenous artists everywhere.
Joining the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) at the UN in Geneva, Bibi becomes a key voice in drafting a historic international treaty safeguarding Traditional Knowledge and Genetic Resources — a document affectionately dubbed “The Bibi Treaty.”
BIBI AND THE DESERT FLOWER is an inspiring, visually stunning, yet a very intimate documentary that celebrates Bibi’s resilience, artistry, and determination to blaze a trail for future generations. It’s a powerful story of one woman’s fight for recognition that sparks a global movement for cultural justice and creative rights.
Image: Eclipse Hotel in Domaslaw, Poland. Courtesy of Bibi Barba.The Team
Bibi Barba
Bibi Barba is a distinguished Aboriginal artist, cultural consultant, and educator based in Sydney, New South Wales. A proud Darumbal, Darkinjung, Cammeraygal, Gadigal, and Yuin woman, she brings over 40 years of experience in the arts, language and cultural advocacy.
Talent / Producer / Cultural Consultant
Daniel Fenech
Award winning director Daniel Fenech has over 15 years production experience in commercials, music videos and documentary style content. He is best known for Christmess (2022) and the award winning documentary, The Blind Sea (2024).
Writer / Producer / Director
Indigenous Advisor
Prof Daniel Browning
Daniel Browning is a a Bundjalung and Kullilli writer, journalist and radio broadcaster, and Professor of Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Sydney.
Executive ProducerErin Fenech
Erin Fenech is an Creative Producer, General Manager and Co-Founder of Brick Studios. Her career spans the performing, visual arts and screen sectors within production, marketing, and audience development.
Support
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