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ABC TV commissions four Indigenous short documentaries

ABC TV has commissioned four Western Australian Indigenous filmmakers to create positive and inspirational mini documentary stories encapsulating the theme of Seasons.

It follows an announcement last September by the WA State Government that it had formed a partnership with the ABC TV's Indigenous Department to produce the short documentaries for ABC1.

WA culture and the arts minister John Day said ScreenWest had invested $250,000 into the initiative to provide ongoing opportunities for WA Indigenous writers and directors.

“It is a source of great pride for the Western Australian government to be supporting this initiative. We’re particularly proud that three out of four films are regional stories.

“The applicants were encouraged to think outside the usual documentary format and explore new approaches to telling stories that will engage and entertain a national audience. ScreenWest have a great collaborative relationship with the ABC which enables these types of projects to come to fruition.”

Following a writing/development workshop, the following filmmakers and their documentary projects were selected for production:

  • Tyson Mowarin, writer/director – Ngurra Wanggagu (Pilbara). A poetic and intimately observed love story about a day in the life of a family and the country that nurtures them.
  • Dot West, writer, Kim West, director – Muster Up (Kimberley). An observational documentary set on a Kimberley cattle station where two young Aboriginal men try to find their place in life.
  • Perun Bonser (first time filmmaker) writer/director – Unspoken (Perth). A dance documentary that explores artistic compatibility between Aboriginal and contemporary Australia culture.
  • Karla Hart (first time filmmaker) writer/director – Magic Quandong (Great Southern). An observational documentary about a special fruit that brings a Noongar family together and makes them feel at one wherever they are.

The series will be produced by Joined Up Films, which specialises in documentary and factual television formats and series.