Production has commenced on the upcoming Stan Original and 9Network co-commissioned series Bali 2002
Based on the 2002 terrorist attacks on Bali’s tourist hotspots, Bali 2002 is an inspiring drama that explores how everyday heroes from Bali, Australia and beyond defied the odds to bring order from chaos and hope from despair.
The four-part original drama series is set to premiere later this year, on Stan. A free-to-air premiere date is yet to be confirmed
The four-part series is produced by Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW.
Featuring a stellar cast led by AACTA Award-winners Rachel Griffiths (Total Control) and Richard Roxburgh (Rake), Bali 2002 stars Claudia Jessie (Bridgerton), Sean Keenan (Stan Original Film Nitram), Ewen Leslie (Stan Original Series The Gloaming) and Arka Das (upcoming Stan Original Film The Portable Door).
The production will also feature a diverse group of Australian and Balinese actors, including Anthony Wong (Stan Original Series The Commons), Paul Ayre (Soul Mates), Maleeka Gasbari (The Heights), Gerwin Widjaja (The Code), Sri Ayu Jati Kartika and more.
On October 12, 2002, the island paradise of Bali was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs. Local Balinese and Australian and British tourists scrambled to rescue the injured and comfort the dying.
Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilised to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place. Amidst this chaos, heroes arose from the most unlikely places and cultures united in the search for healing, justice and meaning.
Developed in consultation with those directly impacted by the tragedy, Bali 2002 marks the first original drama series co-commission between 9Network and Stan. The series is written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) and emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta – with Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) as story editor. AACTA Award-winner Peter Andrikidis (Stan Original Series Eden) and Katrina Irawati Graham (upcoming Siti Rubiyah) will direct the series.
Produced by Kerrie Mainwaring (Stan Original Series Wolf Creek) for Screentime, Tim Pye executive produces, alongside Sara Richardson for Endemol Shine Australia, Michael Healy and Andy Ryan for the 9Network and Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie for Stan.
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said:
“Developed in collaboration with world-class creatives from Australia and Indonesia, and in consultation with those directly impacted, Bali 2002 promises to be a powerful, inspiring and sensitively told drama series that pays respect to everyday heroes from Australia, Bali and beyond.
We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the teams at the 9Network, Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on the project.”
Nine Director of Television Michael Healy said:
“It is a privilege for the 9Network and Stan to mark the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings with this landmark drama. The Bali bombings were a turning point in Australian and Indonesian history and we are proud to have such an outstanding multinational cast and creative team on this project.
Bali 2002 is first of many co-commissions between 9Network and Stan, and we look forward to making more announcements on these collaborations in the coming months.”
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason said:
“While the devastating impact from this tragedy is still felt by so many twenty years on, Bali 2002 is an opportunity to tell a version of the story that memorialises and honours victims, survivors and their families. Screen Australia is proud to support the diverse creative team from both Indonesia and Australia, who are set to bring us an emotional yet premium Australian drama that will showcase and remind us of people’s humanity and courage.”
The Stan Original Series Bali 2002 is produced by Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Banijay Rights is responsible for international distribution of Bali 2002.
