Screen Australia has announced more than $5.7 million in production and development funding for 47 documentaries, supporting established and emerging teams.
Funded projects include “Bondi,” a feature documentary from Mint Pictures producers about the aftermath of one of Australia’s darkest days, and “Saving Tuvalu,” an Australian/German co-production about Tuvalu’s response to climate change, told through community-led storytelling.
Other supported projects include “Stella: I Am Not Your Inspiration,” about disability activist, comedian and broadcaster Stella Young, who died at 32; “Leigh Bowery: Eternal Sunshine,” a feature documentary about the Australian artist and performer; and Australia’s “Lost Eden,” which follows a young Tasmanian devil growing up over one year.
Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston said: “The funded documentaries reflect Screen Australia’s commitment to supporting stories that are both local and globally relevant. From emerging to established creatives, they showcase an ambitious documentary sector finding new ways to collaborate and connect with viewers, from significant international co-productions to exciting direct-to-audience partnerships.
“Screen Currency 2026 found 71% of Australians have taken some form of action after watching local screen content, which speaks to the importance of documentaries as a catalyst for social change and shared understanding.”
Further details on the funded projects will be announced at the ABC Media Showcase on October 21st.
Funding for locally made and produced documentaries comes after research from Screen Australia’s new ‘Screen Currency 2026’ report found that while Australians overwhelmingly value homegrown film and television, the local screen industry faces a growing challenge in getting that content in front of audiences.
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The report found 84% of Australians believe access to local screen content is important, while 75% are interested in watching more. Despite that appetite, 60% spend less than 30% of their viewing time watching Australian content, and just 36% believe it is easy to find.