Shining a light on First Nations stories and culture

Capturing the attention of thousands of festival goers with the animation and accompanying musical score, composed by Nyikina actor Mark Coles-Smith, it is a tribute to three generations of Aboriginal stockwomen.

"This is a story that praises Blak women, that celebrates Blak women that shows they are staunch and have this intergenerational strength and power that's always been there and will always continue," Hunt told AAP.

Stories of culture and Country, nestled in the ancient landscape of the MacDonnell Ranges, are the centrepiece of Parrtjima.

Timelessness is the theme for this year's festival, which curator Rhoda Roberts says draws attention to the continuation and strength of Aboriginal culture and stories, particularly those of the local Arrente people.

"Sadly in the 21st century people often only see the deficit but man we're telling stories that our ancestors told," she said.

"They're the same stories just expressed in different ways. That's timelessness."

Hunt's debut piece is one of four in the 10th iteration of Parrtjima alongside Bobby West's dreamlike Hypnotic Reverberations, immersing visitors in the artist's Country through beams of light and mist, and Lyall Giles' interactive Transforming Light & Country which urges them to trigger dynamic rings of light and natural soundscapes.

As the sun set on the first night of the 10-day festival and stars began to appear in the vast outback skies, the MacDonnell Ranges were lit up with ancient stories, drawing sounds of awe and excitement from those gathered.

Another crowd favourite was the Grounded installation; as the red dirt underfoot shifted and changed with each art piece, the joyous shouts of children rang around the grounds with families playing among the colourful projections.

While choosing a favourite piece at the festival is difficult, Grounded stands apart for Parrtjima's cultural adviser Paul Ah Chee.

"I love the way people are standing in the middle of it and the kids are running around and jumping all over it," he said.

"They're excited but also in awe of the wonderful art pieces and the colour and dynamic light that injects into the ground."

Roberts wants to draw attention to this community joy and pride and is encouraging festival-goers to engage with the richness of culture as they listen to the stories of community that are often overlooked.

"Often their community is portrayed as this place that's out of control ... but what I love about Parrtjima is it gives these young people a platform, and older people too, to talk about who they are in a way most Australian audiences never see or hear," she said.

"It's a different voice. It's a voice of optimism. It's a voice of the future."

AAP travelled with the assistance of Northern Territory Major Events Company.