Synopsis May, 2005, Central Arnhem Land, Australia
‘We are making a movie. The story is their story, those that live on this land, in their language, and set a long time before the coming of the Balanda, as we white people are known. For the people of the Arafura Swamp, this film is an opportunity, maybe a last chance to hold on to the old ways. For all of us, the challenges are unexpected, the task beyond anything imagined. For me, it is the most difficult film I have made, in the most foreign land I've been to...and it is Australia.’ – Rolf de Heer

18 Canoes is a 52 minute documentary which was re-named The Balanda and the Bark Canoes when it premiered at the 53rd Sydney Film Festival, 2006. It won the Urban Cinefile Audience Award for Documentaries in the Sidebar Programs, and the Best Short Documentary at the Film Critics Circle of Australia 2006. 

Called Making Ten Canoes for SBS Television the documentary screened in July 2006 and at the time, was the highest rating Australian documentary for the Thursday night timeslot.

Variety Review, The Balanda And The Bark Canoes (Documentary -- Australia) A Fandango Australia production, in association with SBS Independent. (International sales: Fandango, Sydney.) Produced by Julie Ryan, Rolf de Heer. Directed, written by Molly Reynolds, Tania Nehme, Rolf de Heer. By RICHARD KUIPERS

Several notches above a regulation making-of docu, "The Balanda and the
Bark Canoes" is an enlightening excursion to the remote set of Rolf de Heer's "Ten Canoes." Centered on cross-cultural issues tackled by writer-helmer de Heer, co-director Peter Djigirr and their Aboriginal collaborators, docu gracefully illustrates storytelling methodology on both sides of the cultural divide. Fests showcasing "Ten Canoes" should snap up this ideal accompaniment, and broadcasters in relevant territories may also wish to take a look. An audience award winner at the Sydney fest, "Balanda" will screen on Aussie pubcaster SBS before year's end.

Concerned with more than simply the practicalities of working with non-professional actors in crocodile infested Arnhem Land, de Heer's eloquent narration lays bare what went right and what didn't. Long before cameras roll, de Heer is involved in complex consultations and a roundabout series of translations as Aboriginal cast and community members (many with little or no English) put forth views on the path "Ten Canoes" ought to follow. Taking misunderstandings and near-disasters in its stride, heartfelt docu emerges as an uplifting account of how a free-for-all discussion topic evolved into a viable cinematic entity. Tech package is fine.