‘Important story that needs to be told’: Film to explore NT history

A new Australian feature film starring Guy Pearce is set to shed light on the Northern Territory's dark past.

The Country Liberal party will inject $400,000 into High Ground, directed by filmmaker Stephen Johnson.

NT Chief Minister Adam Giles spoke about the importance of the upcoming film during his election campaign trail in Gulkula, Darwin.

"Set in the 1920s in Arnhem Land, High Ground will highlight the more confronting experiences in the Northern Territory's history,” Mr Giles said.

“This is an important story that needs to be told, not just for the Northern Territory but Australia-wide.”

High Ground comes as the NT government deals with the fallout from an ABC's Four Corners program showing the mistreatment of children at the Don Dale Youth Detention centre.

Mr Johnson said the film would provide audiences with “a real story of redemption.”

“The movie is an action-thriller about the forgotten war in early Australia and the true recognition of Australia's first people." 

Acclaimed Australian actor Pearce will join David Gulpilil and Jack Thompson in the cast of High Ground.

Filming for High Ground will begin next year. It is expected to be released in mid-2018.