SBS and NITV have commissioned seven standalone documentaries through the nationwide Curious Australia initiative.
Curious Australia – an initiative between Film Victoria, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, Screenwest and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) – supports screen practitioners from under-represented backgrounds to amplify their powerful stories on Australian screens.
The documentaries commissioned to premiere on NITV, include: Run Girl (Screen NSW), The Alexander Ball (Screen Queensland), We Are Sexual Beings (Film Victoria), Whatever Scares You (Film Victoria), Black Empire (SAFC), Sistas in Mining (Screen Queensland) and Unlocked (Screen NSW).
Bernadine Lim, commissioning editor of documentaries at SBS, said: “The response to Curious Australia was fantastic, we received a large number of submissions with exciting, untold stories from incredible up-and-coming storytellers.
“Curious Australia is an exciting new addition to our factual offering across the SBS network, providing a unique opportunity for mid-level and emerging documentary-makers to tackle contemporary Australian stories and issues, while also supporting the development of diverse creative talent in the sector,” she added.
Marissa McDowell, commissioning editor at NITV, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing these bold and unique stories from First Nations documentary makers across Australia uncovered through this initiative, come to life on our screens. We’re pleased to be ensuring that under-represented storytellers have a platform for their perspectives to inspire all Australians.”
Screen Australia’s head of documentary Alex West said: “These unique stories offer insight into a range of contemporary issues and they showcase the powerful filmmaking talent we have around the country. We are proud to support Curious Australia and I can’t wait for these documentaries to engage audiences on SBS and NITV this year.”
Curious Australia is targeted at mid-career practitioners working on lower-budget, exciting and risk-taking projects.
Launched with a call-out in 2021, it brings the sector together to support the further development of diverse creative talent.