Western Australia scoops five out of six First Facts: First Nations Factual Showcase commissions
Five WA First Nations filmmaking teams out of six nationwide have been selected to receive production funding for short documentaries through Screen Australia and Network 10's factual initiative, following a development workshop earlier this year.
Screenwest is pleased to announce that five Western Australian projects out of six nationwide have been selected to receive up to $70,000 production funding through Screen Australia’s First Nations Department and Network 10’s First Facts: First Nations Factual Showcase.
Launched in February, the initiative is aimed at providing emerging and mid-career First Nations filmmakers with opportunities to develop 10-minute documentaries for Network 10. After participating in a workshop in June to develop their projects, six out of the eight teams were selected to move into production, including all five WA teams initially selected for development support.
“This exciting collaboration with Network 10 underscores our commitment to the growth of First Nations content and key creatives in this industry. 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.” said Angela Bates, Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations.
“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.” said Daniel Monaghan, Senior Vice President Content and Programming, Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), parent company for Network 10.
“Screenwest is proud to support these talented and Deadly filmmaking teams, as they head into production on their innovative, truth telling and exciting documentaries. Having five WA projects successful out of the six selected, which was part of a nationwide initiative, is an incredible achievement and a testament to the First Nations talent and unique stories that we have here in the west.” said Devina McPherson, Screenwest Indigenous Executive.
The five WA projects and teams funded for production are:
Tace Stevens & Brooke Collard
Anangu Way
Through his father teaching him how to make a woomera, a Noongar & Spinifex man reconnects with family and culture in Tjuntjuntjara, a remote community in the Great Victoria Desert.
Key Creatives:
- Producer: Brooke Collard
- Writer/Director: Tace Stevens
“It was such an honour to be approached by emerging talent Tace Stevens, and even more special to have participated in workshops with other First Nations filmmakers. Anangu Way is a story of a Noongar & Spinifex man reconnecting with his fathers side in the remote community of Tjuntjuntjara, in order for him to pass down their culture to his children.” said Brooke Collard.
Burabura
Burabura is not just a film – it’s a sensory experience, a love letter to the Australian bush that captures the essence of its beauty and serenity in every frame, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones that take us back to our roots.
Tyson Mowarin
Key Creatives:
- Producer: Robyn Marais
- Writer/Director: Tyson Mowarin
“We’ll be hitting the back tracks around Roebourne to record Burabura, which will take audiences on a visual journey from the pressures of modern life to the peace and authenticity of the Pilbara outback.” said Tyson Mowarin and Robyn Marais.
Joonba
Songs gifted through dreams and maintained over generations inspire three young children to dance.
Marlikka Perdrisat
Key Creatives:
- Producers: Marlikka Perdrisat, Anna Kaplan, Jayde Harding
- Executive Producer: Damon Gameau
- Writer/Director: Marlikka Perdrisat
“For me as someone who grew up in remote communities, it’s a real joy to produce a film that celebrates the strength created by a community. I’ll always remember the first time I danced with family and Country, and what that can mean for a young person’s identity.” said Marlikka Perdrisat.
Daniel Riches, Jodie Bell & Luke Riches
Life After Footy
From the mountain peak of professional Australian sport to the reality of life after, we hear from Indigenous dual premiership AFL player Lewis Jetta on what it’s like to ride the wave of professional sport and continue on living life the best way he can.
Key Creatives:
- Producers: Daniel Riches, Luke Riches, Jodie Bell
- Writers/Directors: Daniel Riches, Luke Riches
“We’re very excited to be selected for this initiative, and have an amazing opportunity to get creative and portray an ex-AFL star in a way that’s never been done before. We love sports, and we’ve known Lewis and his family for a very long time – he’s a homegrown superstar and we look forward to bringing his inspiring story to the screen for audiences to enjoy.” said Luke Riches, Daniel Riches and Jodie Bell.
Shari Hutchison, Kimberley Benjamin, Kalinda Palmer & Genevieve Grieves
Re-imagining Our Futures
Re-imagining Our Futures follows the journey of Nyikina & Jabirr Jabirr woman Kalinda Palmer as she learns about traditional birthing practices from her Elders so she can re-imagine a future for herself, her family and community.
Key Creatives:
- Producer/Co-writer: Shari Hutchison
- Executive Producer: GARUWA (Genevieve Grieves & Ramona Telecican)
- Creative Producer: Kalinda Palmer
- Writer/Director: Kimberley Benjamin
“We are thrilled to be making this short film with Kalinda Palmer to share her story, wisdom and life as a young mother in Derby, WA. This film explores traditional birthing practices and the challenges that young Aboriginal women face in the western medical system. Through guidance from Elders, it offers an inspirational perspective on what a re-imagined future could look like. And underpinning the integrity of this project is the fact that Kalinda is the creative producer and talent of this documentary.” said Kimberley Benjamin.
The final documentaries will air on 10 Play and Network 10’s social media channels in early 2025.
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T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au
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