Screen Australia & Network 10 Sets First Nations Projects for Funding

Screen Australia’s First Nations department and Network 10 have selected six projects to receive up to A$70,000 of production funding through the First Facts: First Nations Factual Showcase.

The initiative aims to provide emerging and mid-career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers with opportunities to develop ten-minute documentaries for Network 10. After participating in a workshop in June to develop their projects, six teams were selected to move into production, with their documentaries set to air in early 2025.

Among the funded projects is Anangu Way, following Keenan and his father Lydon, who live very different lives. Keenan lives in the city, while Lydon lives in Anangu way, out in the bush. Keenan must travel 14 hours from Perth to Tjuntjuntjara to sit down with his father to make a woomera, a traditional spear thrower. It is written and directed by Tae Stevens, daughter and sister of Lydon and Keenan, with Brooke Collard attached as producer.

Burabura, written and directed by Tyson Mowarin and produced by Robyn Marais, is a love letter to the Australian bush that aims to capture the essence of its beauty and serenity. Following an unnamed character on their quest for peace, the documentary takes audiences on a journey through the bustling streets of modern life into the heart of the Australian bush.

Firekeepers “Flames of Renewal: Fighting for Cultural Survival” follows the journey of a Wiradjuri community attempting to reintroduce traditional cultural burning practices to their land as they face challenges and opposition from landowners, local governments, financial pressures and climate shifts. It delves into the importance of First Nations land care practices and the struggles of bringing back cultural practices. Jack Steel is writing and directing, while Kieran Satour, Genevieve Grieves and Andrea Distefano are producing.

In Joonba, the Elders of Kupungarri celebrate through Joonba, songs gifted through dreams and maintained over generations. Over 2,000 kilometers away from Western Australia’s capital city, the children perform the songs to ensure they are practiced throughout and over multiple lifetimes. Marlikka Perdrisat is writer, director and producer. Anna Kaplan and Jayde Harding are also producing, while Damon Gameau is executive producing.

From writers, directors and producers Daniel and Luke Riches, as well as producer Jodie Bell, Life After Footy follows Indigenous dual premiership AFL player Lewis Jetta. It delivers insight from his personal perspective on integrating back into a normal life after participating in professional sports.

In Re-imagining Our Futures, Nyikina and Jabirr Jabirr woman Kalinda “Gal” Palmer dreams of a future where she, her family and community can have sovereignty over birthing, ceremonies and tradition. Inspired by conversations and learnings from her Elders, she imagines a future where she can bring new life into the world in a way that she has always imagined. It comes from writer/director Kimberley Benjamin and producer Shari Hutchison.

“This exciting collaboration with Network 10 underscores our commitment to the growth of First Nations content and key creatives in this industry,” said Angela Bates, head of First Nations at Screen Australia. “We are proud to support this inspiring mix of projects, which will showcase our rich cultural heritage and authentic stories to Network 10’s audiences.”

Daniel Monaghan, senior VP of content and programming at Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), parent company for Network 10, said, “We’re thrilled to see these projects move into production that explore contemporary life and traditional cultural practices for First Nations people across Australia. The documentaries highlight universal themes but from the unique perspective of First Nations creatives, and we’re delighted to support and amplify these voices and stories for Australian audiences to enjoy.”