“Rosie” is based on the life of Rosalie Fraser, author of the book Shadow Child.

Rosalie Fraser’s life with her natural family ended in March 1961 when as a two year old aboriginal child she was taken by the Western Australian Child Welfare Department and made a ward of the state.

Rosalie and her sister Bev were fostered out to the Kelly family by the Welfare Department when they were just babies. Rosalie suffers years of terrible abuse at the hands of her foster mother. When the abuse gets too much Rosalie runs away, but her foster mother is always able to coax her back home. Rosalie finally leaves the Kelly’s for good when she meets Stan, whom she later marries. In an emotional encounter, she is reunited with her sister and they both trace and find their natural mother.
After Mrs Kelly’s death, Rosalie realises that she has to confront her past, and after rising above the trauma of her childhood and building a happy family life, she overcomes literacy problems and writes Shadow Child.

“Rosie” is a journey of self-discovery through the trauma of physical and emotional abuse and the fundamental human right of self-worth. It is a story of triumph over adversity, telling the life of a strong and determined woman, who despite the odds comes to terms with her situation and ends up living a happy and successful life.

“Rosie” tackles a disturbing subject matter and whilst very confronting, it is inspirational to see Rosalie find the inner strength and drive within herself to overcome the traumatic experiences of her early life.

Torstein Dyrting
- Gold Medal, Dramatised Documentary Section
WA/SA Australian Cinematography Society