Netflix has acquired Australian documentary series 2.6 Seconds: Death in the Outback globally ahead of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The documentary examines the events surrounding Walker’s death and the impact of the case, including questions around justice, policing and race in Australia.
The four-part series, produced by Blackfella Films for SBS and NITV, is the only documentary among 10 series selected for TIFF’s Primetime program, which showcases episodic storytelling from creators around the world.
Darren Dale (The Australian Wars, Total Control) directs and produces the series, with Andrew Boe serving as writer and executive producer alongside Jacob Hickey.
Dale (pictured above) said the story was “uniquely Australian” but believed it also had global resonance.
“Netflix coming on board ahead of our TIFF premiere is confirmation of that belief and I cannot wait to see how international audiences respond to this powerful series.”
Netflix ANZ Content Director Amanda Duthie said the streamer was proud to bring the Australian story to audiences around the world.
“Some stories stay with you long after the screening, and 2.6 Seconds is one of those. Netflix is honoured to bring this deeply moving Australian documentary to Netflix audiences around the world, giving a powerful and important story the opportunity to resonate far beyond our shores.”
2.6 Seconds examines the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot three times by Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe during an attempted arrest in the remote community of Yuendumu in November 2019.
The series takes its name from the 2.6 seconds between the first and second shots fired by Rolfe, with a third shot following 0.5 seconds later.
The shooting became the subject of a high-profile murder trial, with Rolfe ultimately found not guilty of murder, manslaughter and an alternative charge of engaging in a violent act causing death in 2022.
2.6 Seconds was first announced by SBS and NITV in October 2024, with the series originally expected to premiere in 2025 before being included in SBS’s 2026 slate and, most recently, its 2027 programming announcement.
The series is a co-commission between SBS and NITV, produced by Blackfella Films in association with PAW Media, with major production investment from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with SBS and support from Screen NSW.
The deal comes just weeks after SBS Original drama The Airport Chaplain launched globally on Netflix outside Australia, marking another recent SBS Original to receive an international release on the streamer.
