Screen Australia has announced a funding of $2.2 million to support five Australian documentaries that delve into contemporary conversations both within Australia and worldwide. The funding will be shared among three projects under the Commissioned Program and two projects under the Producer Program.
Among the funded projects is The Idea of Australia, a comprehensive examination of Australia’s evolution over the past 25 years. Another notable project is a five-part series by Tony Armstrong for ABC, in which he explores the untold history of Australia through everyday objects and the stories they reveal.
Screen Australia’s head of documentary, Alex West, expressed excitement about supporting documentaries that cover a wide range of important conversations rooted in history. The funded projects are expected to engage audiences and stimulate dialogue.
The Documentary Commissioned program supports the production of high-quality projects for television, SVOD platforms, or similar platforms. Eligible projects must offer a compelling vision with enduring cultural value and have a local presale with a minimum license fee at the application stage.
The four-part series for SBS titled The Idea of Australia aims to uncover how Australia has evolved over the past 25 years, highlighting the ongoing social and cultural revolution. This series, based on the book of the same name by Julianne Schultz, will be executive produced by Schultz herself. Darren Dale, the producer of The Australian Wars, will also be involved in the production, along with series producer Jacob Hickey.
Additionally, a three-part series for SBS titled The Last Goodbye will explore the changing attitudes and approaches to death in Australia, focusing on how the country says goodbye to and remembers the deceased. This series has received funding from SBS and the support of Screen NSW.
The funded ABC series, which will consist of five parts, follows Tony Armstrong as he embarks on a journey to learn about Australia’s untold history through ordinary Australians and the extraordinary stories behind their cherished possessions. The series aims to showcase sentimental objects that played a role in shaping Australia’s defining moments.
The Documentary Producer program provides foundational funding for projects, with a focus on their potential path to reaching audiences. While marketplace attachment is not required at the application stage, the program encourages projects that can engage viewers.
One of the projects supported under the Producer Program is a feature-length documentary for SBS titled The C Word. Directed by Tosca Looby and produced by Karina Holden, the documentary explores how Australia had the opportunity to take action on climate change 30 years ago. Through archival material, the film will highlight moments where misinformation trumped science, leading to a shift in public perception of climate change.
Another project funded through the Producer Program is a documentary directed by Madeleine Hetherton-Miau. It tells the story of Mozart’s sister, who shared equal billing and creative collaboration with her brother during their childhood years.
The funding provided by Screen Australia will enable these thought-provoking documentaries to be produced and effectively engage audiences. The selected projects offer diverse perspectives on various contemporary conversations, representing Australia’s rich history and current societal issues.
By providing financial support to these documentaries, Screen Australia continues to contribute to the growth of Australia’s documentary industry and encourages the exploration of important stories that stimulate discussion and reflection.
