In an exciting development for the Australian documentary landscape, Screen Australia has announced a significant injection of over $2.3 million in production funding, earmarked for nine compelling documentary projects.
This diverse slate of films and series promises to deliver a rich array of stories, from the front lines of medical care in Indigenous communities to the rugged beauty of the Kimberley and the valour of female athletes.
One of the standout projects receiving funding is “Our Medicine”, a six-part NITV series that will offer an unprecedented look at the challenges faced by First Nations professionals in the medical sector.
Directed by Kimberley Benjamin, co-directed by Karla Hart, and post-directed by Jeremy Thomson, the series aims to show how those on the medical front-line are trying to achieve better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and communities. The series sheds light on the strategies necessary to bridge the health outcome gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Another project to receive funding is “The Jury Project”, a four-part SBS series that critically examines the jury system. Directed by Tosca Looby and executive produced by Karina Holden, the series is poised to explore the intricacies and challenges inherent in the justice system.
From environmental activism in Papua New Guinea with “Guardians of the River” to the personal journey of John Clarke in “When the Front Fell Off”, the funded documentaries cover a broad spectrum of subjects. “Second to None” celebrates the elite female cycling team, Lidl-Trek, while “The Colleano Heart” delves into the fascinating history of an Indigenous family in the entertainment industry. Each project reflects Screen Australia’s commitment to diverse and boundary-pushing storytelling.
Richard Huddleston, Head of Documentary at Screen Australia, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to supporting Australian filmmakers who tell stories that resonate both nationally and internationally.
“This slate reflects our determination to support Australian filmmakers who want to tell stories from not just within our nation but further afield; whether it be exploring the brilliant mind of John Clarke, escaping to the majestic Kimberley, interrogating the inner workings of our jury system, following an epic tradition in Mongolia or fighting for the Papua New Guinean environment. They all push boundaries, play with form and reflect the rich, wide range of storytelling approaches we have in the Australian documentary community,” Huddleston says.
For more information on the full list of documentaries and the latest projects funded for development, visit Screen Australia’s official website.