SBS’s Australia Uncovered Unveils Compelling New Documentaries in February
SBS is gearing up to premiere the much-anticipated third season of its critically lauded documentary series, Australia Uncovered, starting from Thursday, 8 February at 8:40 pm. Known for its curated selection of gripping stand-alone documentaries, this season promises to delve deeper into a range of untold Australian stories, shedding light on significant issues that resonate across the nation.
This season’s lineup consists of four thought-provoking documentaries, each offering a unique perspective on diverse and compelling narratives.
Hitler’s Jewish Soldier?, the season opener, brings to the forefront the intriguing and complex tale of a young Jewish boy, who was allegedly Hitler’s youngest soldier. This documentary embarks on an investigative journey to unravel whether this claim is a factual account or a Holocaust hoax. It tells the story of Alex Kurzem, who hid his identity for nearly five decades in Australia before revealing his past.
The film, directed by Jewish journalist and filmmaker Dan Goldberg, delves into the heart of a mystery that blurs the lines between fact and fiction, raising profound questions about identity and the human psyche.
“This story crossed my desk in 2012 when I was a correspondent filing for Jewish newspapers in America, Canada, Europe, and Israel. Initially it struck me as a possible Holocaust hoax, and so I travelled from Sydney to Melbourne to interview this legendary ‘Mascot,’ then in his late 70s, in person.
I filed several stories about this alleged hoax, which were syndicated around the world. Like most news, the story petered out and I went back to making documentaries. Until mid-2020 when, out of the blue, I received a call from The Mascot.
What he told me triggered a moral obligation to file a new story. It quickly became evident that this truth-is-stranger-than-fiction story would make a ripping feature documentary.
The end result is a staggering story that provokes bigger questions about secrets and lies, fact and fiction, family, and identity.”
The second documentary, Last Chance to Save a Life, takes the audience into the cutting-edge world of medical science. Produced by the Emmy award-winning team at Genepool Productions, the film follows the journey of scientists in Melbourne and Sydney as they explore the potential of phage therapy in combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
This documentary not only highlights the desperation of patients facing untreatable superbugs but also captures the relentless pursuit of scientists like Professor Anton Peleg and Professor Jon Iredell in their quest to turn this experimental therapy into a viable medical solution.
“When I first brought up phage therapy with my doctor friends I was met with extreme scepticism. They rolled their eyes at my naivety.
Apparently, this strange medicine (that had been adopted by the Soviets) would ‘never catch on in the West.’ But over a few years, I watched as a handful of the world’s leading medical institutes began to research phage therapy.
Eventually, I heard a whisper that a hospital close to home in Melbourne was about to start trials. I knew then this was a story I had to tell.”
The Carnival, the third episode, provides a captivating glimpse into the life of The Bells, a six-generation travelling show family. Directed by Isabel Darling, this documentary, filmed over seven years, showcases the struggles and triumphs of the family as they strive to keep their century-old legacy alive amidst modern challenges.
The documentary is a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family, set against the backdrop of Australia’s travelling show culture.
“In late 2015, I ventured into the Bell family’s camp and was immediately struck by their unique lifestyle. Their existence is a subculture marked by ceaseless journeys across the country, skimming through various towns and cities, with the rare exception of a stay in Batemans Bay NSW for six weeks every Christmas.
It was here that I first encountered the Bell family. Over the next seven years, I had the privilege of documenting this family’s traditional show life continuously. My children and I travelled the country, chasing after trucks and sharing campfires beneath the starry desert skies.
I am overjoyed that audiences now have the opportunity to embark on the same adventure and gain insight into the real lives of the ‘showies.’”
Concluding the season is Psychedelics: Stepping into the Unknown, a ground-breaking documentary that explores the potential of psychedelic assisted therapy in treating Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The film, produced by Blackfella Films, provides exclusive access to a pioneering trial led by Dr Paul Liknaitzky at Monash University.
It not only documents the experiences of the participants but also delves into the evolving landscape of mental health treatment, offering hope and new perspectives on the future of therapy.
“We know that millions of us will suffer from anxiety and other mental health illnesses at some point in our lives. The possibility that psychedelic assisted therapy could potentially offer hope is a fascinating prospect and one that we wanted to interrogate and explore.
Gaining access to a world first trial has been extraordinary and it’s been a privilege to document its progress and the lives of those involved.”
The series is a testament to SBS‘s commitment to showcasing diverse and compelling stories. Joseph Maxwell, Head of Unscripted at SBS, and Grainne Brunsdon, Director of Content at Screen Australia, have both praised the series for its bold storytelling and its ability to bring to light important narratives from various Australian voices.
“SBS is thrilled to showcase another brilliant season of Australia Uncovered. This strand of single documentaries is made by some of Australia’s best filmmakers.
The four individual films take us into diverse, revealing, emotional and life-changing stories that promise to surprise and captivate our audiences.”
“Screen Australia is delighted to support another compelling season of Australia Uncovered.
This inspiring collection of documentaries explore and celebrate contemporary Australia in ambitious and engaging ways – shining a light on important and often untold stories from a diversity of voices.”
