With a $2.3 million investment, Screen Australia is bringing diverse Australian stories to the forefront through compelling documentaries.
Screen Australia has officially announced its support for nine ambitious documentary projects with a combined funding of over $2.3 million. This diverse array of projects encompasses a wide range of subjects, from the challenges faced by First Nations medical professionals in Our Medicine, to the fascinating wildlife of The Kimberley, and the inspiring journey of the female cycling team in Second to None.
Our Medicine is a significant series produced for NITV, focusing on First Nations professionals striving for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This 6 x 30-minute documentary series highlights the efforts to bridge the gap in health outcomes, guided by series director Kimberley Benjamin, co-director Karla Hart, and post director Jeremy Thomson. Karla Hart and Sam Bodhi Field produce the series, which benefits from significant investment from NITV and support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the WA Regional Screen Fund.
In another highlight, The Jury Project, a Northern Pictures production for SBS, examines the jury system through a four-part series. Directed by Tosca Looby and executive produced by Karina Holden, the series delves into the intricacies of the justice system, backed by major production investment from SBS.
The Producer Program funds projects like When the Front Fell Off, a poignant tribute to satirist John Clarke, directed by his daughter, Lorin Clarke. The film, revealing Clarke’s life and legacy, is financed with support from the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund, VicScreen, Soundfirm, and Rialto Distribution.
Guardians of the River tells the story of Papua New Guinean activist Manu Peni’s campaign to safeguard the Sepik River, with Lachlan McLeod and Matasila Freshwater directing. The project is supported by the Pacific Islanders in Communications, The Post Lounge, VicScreen, the Shark Island Foundation, and the Three Springs Foundation.
Sand Roads chronicles the adventurous journey and tragic loss of three young men, created by Gabriele Gianni, Lorenzo Conte, and Vittoria Pasquini. This emotional documentary is backed by the Ministry of Culture Italy and the Lazio Film Fund.
Second to None offers an insider’s view of the Lidl-Trek women’s cycling team at the Tour de France Femmes 2023, showcasing the team’s resilience and passion. This documentary is a collaboration with Eurosport and DocPlay, created by Sweetshop & Green.
The Colleano Heart explores the story of the Colleanos, an Indigenous circus family, and their journey towards reconnecting with their heritage, directed by Pauline Clague. The documentary is financed by the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund and Screen Canberra, with local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment.
The Iron Winter captures the harsh realities faced by Mongolian herders during one of the country’s most severe winters, directed by Kasimir Burgess and financed in part by the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund and VicScreen.
Lastly, The Kimberley is a series that brings to light the unique biodiversity of Northwestern Australia, directed and produced by Nick Robinson, Peta Ayers, and Electra Manikakis, with support from the ABC.
Angela Bates, Head of First Nations at Screen Australia, praised Our Medicine for spotlighting the vital role of First Nations health workers in integrating traditional practices with Western medicine to improve Indigenous health outcomes.
Richard Huddleston, Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary, expressed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Australian filmmakers in telling stories that span both local and global settings, reflecting the diverse storytelling talent within the Australian documentary community.
For more details on the funded projects and Screen Australia’s documentary funding programs, including the Documentary Producer, Commissioned, and Development programs, visit Screen Australia’s official website.
