"Crowded House"
Screen Australia has announced support for eight documentaries that will share in $2.3 million of direct production funding. These projects showcase the remarkable dedication of local documentary filmmakers in uncovering stories from Australia and around the globe, ranging from Western Sydney to Ecuador. The documentaries explore a wide array of subjects, addressing critical contemporary issues, celebrating cultural icons, and highlighting marginalized or misunderstood communities.
Screen Australia Head of Documentary Richard Huddleston referred to the diversity of the slate: “These stories, spanning numerous genres and disciplines, are a reflection of the ambition, sophistication, and creativity of the current Australian documentary sector. These projects will grow Australia’s reputation for innovative, premium storytelling and point to an exciting future of global partnerships," expressed. Now, let’s take a closer look at the supported titles.
"Crowded House" is a feature-length documentary that delves into the extraordinary journey of the iconic band, unraveling the psychological complexities they faced following their meteoric rise. It also highlights the evolution of the current lineup, which includes Neil Finn’s two sons, Liam and Elroy Finn. Woven from a treasure trove of never-before-seen family and band archives, candid interviews, and more, the narrative moves between past and present, with Neil Finn’s songwriting genius at its core. The film is a co-production between Ghost Pictures ("Mystify: Michael Hutchence", "Autoluminescent", "In Bob We Trust") and Academy Award-nominated producer Carthew Neal ("Jojo Rabbit", "Tickled") through his production company Fumes. It is financed by the New Zealand Film Commission in association with the ABC and VicScreen, with additional support from Primary Wave and Nude Run. The film is an Australian-New Zealand co-production, with Madman handling distribution in both territories.
Moreover, "RISE" grants exclusive access to Western Sydney’s underground LGBTQIA+ ballroom scene, following participants as they prepare to compete at the iconic West Ball. In a world that often seeks to erase them, "RISE" captures which of these queer rebels will seize their moment on the cutthroat stage and transform their lives. The documentary is written and directed by Patrick (Pat) Abboud ("Australia Uncovered: Kids Raising Kids"), with Monique Keller and Billy Russell ("The Role of a Lifetime") serving as executive producers, alongside West Ball community leaders Xander Khoury and Jamaica Moana as co-executive producers.
Meanwhile, "Death of a Shaman" takes viewers deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon, where a renowned Shuar shaman selects his reluctant grandson as an apprentice in an effort to preserve their tribe’s ancestral wisdom for another generation. Meanwhile, the shaman’s son leads an Indigenous uprising aimed at overthrowing the Ecuadorian president. What follows will determine the fate of their people—either preservation or destruction. This feature-length documentary is directed, written, and produced by Dan Jackson ("In the Shadow of the Hill"), with executive producers Robert Fernandez ("The Fog of War") and Dan Levinson. The project is financed in association with Soundfirm, with local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment.
In addition, "Silenced" follows internationally renowned human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson as she navigates courtrooms and headlines, exposing the tactics used to silence women worldwide. This feature documentary is written and directed by Selina Miles and produced by Blayke Hoffman ("Harley & Katya"), with Jennifer Peedom ("Sherpa", "Mountain") serving as executive producer. "Silenced" is financed in association with Minderoo Pictures and the ABC, with additional support from Screen NSW, the Shark Island Foundation, and Soundfirm. Sharmill Films is handling local distribution, while Together Films manages international sales.
On the other hand, "Troublemaker" chronicles the journey of massacre survivor Wendy Scurr and South Australian writer-director Jared Nicholson ("Starting from Scratch") as they spiral into paranoia in a desperate search for solace and truth. Nicholson co-directs with Ben Lawrence, while Rebecca Barry, Scott Baskett, Madeleine Hetherton-Miau, and Chris Kamen serve as producers. Executive producer Deanne Weir supports the project, which is financed in association with the Shark Island Foundation, Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund, South Australian Film Corporation, Screen NSW, and WeirAnderson Films. The film’s post-production, digital, and visual effects are also supported by the South Australian Film Corporation.
Furthermore, "Digby & Camille" is an eight-year love story chronicling the relationship between Sydney artist Digby Webster and trainee chef Camille Collins, both of whom live with Down Syndrome. As they dream of marriage and living together, they must navigate the concerns of their families, who love and support them deeply. Co-directing alongside Digby is Trevor Graham ("Chef Antonio's Recipes for Revolution"), who also produces with Lisa Wang ("White Fever"). The documentary is written by Rose Hesp ("Who Do You Think You Are?") and executive produced by Mitzi Goldman ("Knowing the Score"), Roger Savage, and Jenny Lalor. "Digby & Camille" is financed in association with the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Premiere Fund, with additional support from Screen NSW, the Shark Island Foundation, Soundfirm, the Andy Inc Foundation, and Documentary Australia through philanthropic contributions. Bonsai Films will handle local distribution.
"Robodebt" (working title) is a three-part series for SBS that blends documentary storytelling with drama to reveal how ordinary Australians fought back against the notorious Robodebt scandal, which struck at the heart of inequality and social cohesion in the country. Directed by Ben Lawrence ("Hearts and Bones") and written by Jane Allen ("Troppo", "In Our Blood"), the series is executive produced by Paula Bycroft ("Con Girl"), Michael Cordell ("Go Back to Where You Came From"), and Andrew Farrell ("Murder in the Outback", "Undercurrent"). It has received major production investment from SBS, with support from Screen NSW.
Finally, "End Game" is a three-part series for the ABC that follows Tony Armstrong on a global mission to combat racism in Australian sports. Through his personal journey of discovery, surprise, passion, and understanding, Armstrong seeks real solutions to create meaningful change for future generations. "End Game" is executive produced by Daniel Brown ("The Hospital: In the Deep End"), Steve Bibb ("Matildas: The World at Our Feet"), and Dean Gibson ("First Weapons"). It has received major production investment from the ABC, with additional support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. ABC Commercial is handling international sales.
Additionally, recently announced and supported documentaries by Screen Australia include Stan Originals’ "Death Cap", "Into the Night", and "Zyzz & Chestbrah: The Poster Boys", as well as ABC’s "Ages of Ice" and the feature film "The Golden Spurtle".
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