[2] As event producer of the film festival, the venue aimed to showcase both established and emerging Indigenous filmmakers.
The production was reviewed well, the soundtrack went on to win the Deadly Award for Excellence in Film & Theatrical Score,[5][6] and the show toured internationally and regionally until 2009.
[7] Create NSW's strategic plan for 2011–2014 included two-year support for Sydney Opera House's first Head of Indigenous Programming, Rhoda Roberts, and further development of the festival into "a multi-arts program of contemporary and traditional Indigenous expression through theatre, dance, song, film, visual art and talks".
[9] In 2014 the Opera House replaced Message Sticks with Homeground, a two-day festival focusing on Indigenous music and dance.
[2] Being an international event, the programme includes First Nations performers and traditions from countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, and Tibet.