Screen Australia has revealed plans to inject $2.2 million into five new, impactful documentaries, spanning topics from classical music and climate change discussions to Australia’s own history.
Under the auspices of the Commissioned Program and the Producer Program, these projects are set to provoke thought and stir dialogue on subjects both historical and contemporary, reaching out to Australian and global audiences alike.
One of the standout titles among these funded projects is ‘The Idea of Australia’, a comprehensive four-part SBS series. It promises to delve deep into the transformations modern Australia has undergone in the past 25 years, examining the resulting social and cultural revolution that is still in progress.
This series is not just a historical retrospect but an ambitious journey that encourages Australians to understand the roots of the nation and contemplate its future trajectory. The creative team comprises writer and executive producer Julianne Schultz, producer Darren Dale, series producer Jacob Hickey, and director Benjamin Jones, all pooling their talents to bring this compelling narrative to life.
The ABC will air ‘Tony Armstrong’s Extra-Ordinary Things’, a five-part series which will see Armstrong traverse the country, engaging with ordinary Australians and their extraordinary objects. This innovative series seeks to uncover Australia’s hidden history via these objects and their stories, culminating in Armstrong creating a unique exhibition for the National Museum of Australia that sheds light on some of the most defining moments in the country’s past.
Also among the projects funded through the Commissioned Program is ‘The Last Goodbye’ (a working title). This three-part SBS series presents an in-depth exploration of Australia’s evolving attitudes towards death and the various customs the nation employs in farewelling the deceased and commemorating their lives. The series benefits from the expertise of executive producers Sky Kinninmont and Deborah Spinocchia, as well as writer Allan Clarke, whose impressive credits include acclaimed projects such as ‘The Bowraville Murders’ and ‘The Dark Emu Story’.
As part of the Producer Program, ‘The C Word’, a feature-length documentary, has been greenlit. This film seeks to dissect the troubled history of climate change discourse, highlighting the alarming moments when political agendas and misinformation have thwarted scientific findings. Tosca Looby will direct this Northern Pictures production, set to be broadcast on SBS.
Rounding out the funded projects is ‘Mozart’s Sister’, a 90-minute documentary that re-evaluates the role of Maria-Anna Mozart in her brother’s musical legacy. It posits the fascinating theory that Maria-Anna Mozart, once seen as Wolfgang’s equal in musical talent, may have been responsible for some of the revered classical works attributed to her brother. This insightful documentary, led by Madeleine Hetherton-Miau and Rebecca Barry, seeks to celebrate unrecognised female creators of the past and present.
Alex West, Screen Australia’s documentary head, has praised the creative teams for their outstanding dedication and abilities in delivering such stimulating projects that promise to engage viewers and stimulate meaningful discourse.
Screen Australia’s latest funding round continues its commitment to supporting projects that prompt conversations, challenge the status quo, and cast a fresh light on a variety of topics that are deeply relevant to Australia and the world beyond.
