Stan Original Bali 2002 in the Works

The Stan original and 9Network co-commissioned series Bali 2002 has commenced production.

Based on the 2002 terrorist attacks on Bali’s tourist hotspots, the series tells the story of how everyday heroes from Bali, Australia and elsewhere came together to rescue the injured, comfort the dying and search for healing, justice and meaning. The four-part series stars Rachel Griffiths, Richard Roxburgh, Claudia Jessie, Sean Keenan, Ewen Leslie and Sri Ayu Jati Kartika.

Bali 2002 is produced by Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW.

The first original drama series co-commission between 9Network and Stan, the series is written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) and emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta, with Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) as story editor. Peter Andrikidis (Eden) and Katrina Irawati Graham (Siti Rubiyah) will direct the series.

Bali 2002 is slated to premiere later this year on Stan. Banijay Rights is responsible for international distribution.

Cailah Scobie, Stan’s chief content officer, said: “Developed in collaboration with world-class creatives from Australia and Indonesia, and in consultation with those directly impacted, Bali 2002 promises to be a powerful, inspiring and sensitively told drama series that pays respect to everyday heroes from Australia, Bali and beyond. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the teams at the 9Network, Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on the project.”

Michael Healy, 9Network’s director of television, said: “It is a privilege for the 9Network and Stan to mark the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings with this landmark drama. The Bali bombings were a turning point in Australian and Indonesian history, and we are proud to have such an outstanding multinational cast and creative team on this project. Bali 2002 is the first of many co-commissions between 9Network and Stan, and we look forward to making more announcements on these collaborations in the coming months.”

Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason said: “While the devastating impact from this tragedy is still felt by so many 20 years on, Bali 2002 is an opportunity to tell a version of the story that memorializes and honors victims, survivors and their families. Screen Australia is proud to support the diverse creative team from both Indonesia and Australia, who are set to bring us an emotional yet premium Australian drama that will showcase and remind us of people’s humanity and courage.”

Screen NSW Head Grainne Brunsdon added: “Screen NSW is proud to partner with Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on Bali 2002, a landmark drama series bringing together a collaborative team of authentic voices to tell this important story. Supported under the Made In NSW Fund, the production will film in Western Sydney and is expected to generate up to 810 jobs in NSW.”

Peter Newman, Endemol Shine Australia CEO, said: “ESA is incredibly proud to produce a series that means so much to so many. Triggered by an event that shocked the world, Bali 2002 is a story of resilience and heroism born from the darkest tragedy. This is a gripping four-part series that is evocative, sensitive and reflective of the stories that have been told directly from those impacted by this event. We are genuinely delighted to be working with our extraordinary cast and amazing team of creatives to realize this landmark series for our partners at Stan and 9.”

Kerrie Mainwaring, producer and Screentime’s head of production, said: “This is an important story for all Australians. We have worked hard to bring together this terrific cast and team of creatives to honor the story of all those Australians, Indonesians and others who experienced the terrible tragedy in Bali in 2002.”