Before 1770 is a feature documentary detailing the relationship between the Northern Australian indigenous people (Yolngu Clan of North Eastern Arnhem Land) and the Indonesian Makassan relationship within a historical and contemporary context. Some historians believe that the relationship could date back a thousand years before white settlement.

This documentary explores how these two ancient cultures integrated through trade, language, art, education and inter-marriage over the centuries. From a historical perspective, re-enactments tell the story of how the relationship between the two-culture developed.

Haji Mansour is a living indigenous/Indonesian example of this connection between both cultures as he oversees the building of a life-size replica prau (vessel) which sails across the Timor Sea to Arnhem Land. The ship’s design is based on the aboriginal cave paintings which details the size and dimension of these ancient ship. Haji Mansour is seen as central figure who belongs to both cultures equally as he re-unites with his heritage on a journey of self-discovery. This documentary challenges the teachings of the Australian educational narrative and explores the untold story of the Aboriginal and Indonesian rich cultural exchange.