Jetpacks, Oysters and Ancient Songlines

13 May 2016 By Screen Australia

Screen Australia announces more than $1.8 million for the new round of Documentary Producers funding.

Scientific innovation, the 1987 World Motorcycle Grand Prix, ancient songlines and the world’s first jetpack are just some of the topics explored by seven documentary teams sharing in more than $1.8 million from Screen Australia’s Documentary Producer Program.

The Documentary Producer Program provides producers with foundation funding so that they are supported to drive their projects commercially and creatively. The program is designed to support innovative documentaries that have been identified as having a strong creative vision and a highly developed understanding of how they will reach their audience.

The program supports singles and series intended for broadcast, festival, theatrical, digital and multimedia audiences.

“The successful projects shone through a really competitive Producer funding round. The teams presented high-quality and well considered vision for their projects, which are sure to have great audience appeal. The mix of content and storytellers is particularly exciting for Screen Australia and we’re pleased our support will bring this strong group of stories to our screens,” said Liz Stevens, Senior Manager, Documentary at Screen Australia.

Successful projects in this round of funding are:

Ancient Songlines. A way forward. A legacy shared. In Jonnie & Kate Films and Madman Production’s Westwind: Djalu's Legacy, Djalu Gurruwiwi, warrior, shaman and father, must find a way to bring two worlds together to save his sons and his culture.
Faraway Production’s Jill Bilcock: Dancing the Invisible is a vibrant look at the fascinating life and craft of renowned Australian film editor, Jill Bilcock.
A Leg to Stand On from Serendipity Productions explores the little known scientific innovation being pioneered by Australian surgeon Associate Prof Munjed Al Muderis, as he battles controversy and embraces newfound notoriety on his mission to change the life of amputees.
Bower Bird Films’ Oyster dives into the story of the family, the farm, the hard work and sacrifices put in by the farmers who raise Sydney Rock Oysters, and the fragile environment they grow in.
GFC/Fightertown Australia’s Wayne tells the exhilarating story of 1987 World Motorcycle Grand Prix Champion Wayne Gardner’s triumphant, improbable journey from a 5-dollar dirt bike to the international summit of his sport.
Secrecy, conspiracy, obsession and an insatiable conviction to dare to dream and defy the impossible. Firelight Productions/Paperbark Films’ Own the Sky is the incredible story of three men who design, build and fly the world's first real Jetpack around the Statue of Liberty.