Five Western Australian projects selected for development through First Facts: First Nations Factual Showcase

Five Western Australian First Nations documentary projects, out of eight nationwide, have been selected for development as part of First Facts: First Nations Factual Showcase.

Launched earlier this year by Screen Australia, Network 10 and state and territory agencies, the initiative is aimed at providing First Nations emerging and mid-career filmmakers with opportunities to develop bold, engaging and thought-provoking short documentaries to screen on 10 Play and Network 10’s social media channels.

The five WA projects and teams funded for development are:

• 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. Team: Tace Stevens, Brooke Collard.
• Burabura: 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. Team: Tyson Mowarin, Robyn Marais.
• Joonba: Songs gifted through dreams and maintained over generations inspire three young children to dance. Team: Marlikka Perdrisat, Damon Gameau, Anna Kaplan, Jayde Harding.
• Life After Footy: From the mountain peak of professional Australian sport to the reality of life after, this documentary follows Indigenous dual premiership AFL player Lewis Jetta on what it’s like to ride the wave of professional sport and continue living life the best way he can. Team: Daniel Riches, Luke Riches.
• (Re)imagining Our Futures: This documentary follows the journey of Nyikina & Jabirr Jabirr woman, Kalinda Palmer, guided by her Elders to dream up a future for herself, her son, family and community. Team: Kimberley Benjamin, Shari Hutchison.

The eight recipients attended a workshop last month to develop their projects, which also included sessions with guest speakers including Rachel Perkins (Brand Nue Dae, The Australian Wars), Allan Clarke (The Bowraville Murders, The Dark Emu Story) and WA’s Narelda Jacobs, OAM, host of 10 News First Midday and Studio 10. Each team is now set to pitch their project to a panel of industry professionals, with six teams subsequently selected to receive up to $70,000 of production funding.

“Five WA projects out of eight nationwide is a wonderful outcome, and a testament to the First Nations filmmaking talent here in the west. Congratulations to the teams selected – we look forward to seeing how these factual stories develop.” said Devina McPherson, Screenwest Indigenous Executive.

“The First Facts initiative is a fantastic platform for First Nations creators to build their skills, showcase their distinctive voice as storytellers, as well as develop their careers and share their authentic Australian stories to Network 10’s audience. I’m excited to witness the breadth of talent in these teams and support them to make their documentary projects come to life.” said Angela Bates, Screen Australia’s Head of First Nations.

“The projects selected are an incredible collection of unique and creative ideas that explore and amplify a broad range of perspectives and stories. Their vision and resonance are captivating, and we’re proud to be partnering in this initiative to bring compelling stories which will undoubtedly inspire and connect with audiences on 10 Play.” said Daniel Monaghan, Senior Vice President Content and Programming, Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), parent company for Network 10.

First Facts is supported by Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation and VicScreen.

Congratulations to the five WA teams!

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