Screen Australia has announced more than $5.7 million in production and development funding for 47 documentaries, spanning stories about Bondi, climate change, disability, wildlife and Australian culture.
The latest funding round supports both established and emerging documentary teams, with projects ranging from feature documentaries and international co-productions to a 10-part direct-to-audience series.
Projects supported include:
Bondi
The feature documentary from Mint Pictures and director Amanda Blue explores the aftermath of one of Australia’s darkest days through the experiences of survivors, victims’ families, first responders and everyday heroes. The project is being developed and produced in association with SBS, with Screen NSW also providing support.
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Saving Tuvalu
The Australian/German co-production follows three young Tuvaluans using digital preservation to safeguard their culture and identity as rising seas threaten their homeland. The project is a Media Stockade, Tellus Films and Filmtank production commissioned by ZDF/ARTE.
The Brain Garden
Filmmaker Randall Wood turns the camera on himself following a traumatic brain injury, embarking on a global journey exploring the brain’s recovery and the connections between neuroscience, nature and healing.
My City, My Backyard
The 10-part direct-to-audience series from Never Too Small celebrates small-scale living, following architects, artists and designers around the world as they reveal the communities found in their own backyards.
Australia’s Lost Eden
Tasmanian director and wildlife cinematographer Nick Hayward leads this feature documentary following a young Tasmanian devil growing up in a changing world, with the story filmed across a full year.
Stella: I Am Not Your Inspiration
The documentary from Sarah Barton and Liz Burke explores the life of disability activist, comedian and broadcaster Stella Young, tracing her journey from a small Australian town towards international recognition.
Estranged
Olivia Martin-McGuire’s documentary follows her and her trans sibling Jack as they reconnect after two years of estrangement and embark on a global road trip exploring separation, healing and queer community.
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Hell Has No Fire Escape
The debut feature from South African-Australian producer Georgina Savage follows a grieving South African pastor whose life is upended by an online love scam, exploring faith, desire and belonging through vérité footage and dreamlike fantasy.
Leigh Bowery: Eternal Sunshine
The feature documentary explores the life and legacy of Australian artist and performer Leigh Bowery, examining his Australian roots and the influence he had on London’s underground scene and global popular culture. The project received development funding.
Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston said the projects demonstrate the breadth of the local documentary sector and its ability to connect with audiences both in Australia and internationally.
“The funded documentaries reflect Screen Australia’s commitment to supporting stories that are both local and globally relevant,” Huddleston said.
The latest funding round includes 47 documentary projects across production and development, with Screen Australia highlighting international co-productions, direct-to-audience partnerships and collaborations with Australian screen agencies and broadcasters.
Further information about recently funded projects will be announced alongside the ABC Media Showcase on October 21, while the full lists of production and development approvals are available through Screen Australia HERE.
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