17 03 2021 - Media release Screen Australia announces production funding for 10 documentaries
The Secret World of Fungi (Photo credit: Stephen Axford)
Screen Australia has announced nearly $2 million of production funding for two documentaries through the Commissioned program and eight through the Producer Program.
The projects include series Could You Survive on the Breadline? exploring financial disadvantage for SBS; The Secret World of Fungi, a documentary for IMAX; and a series investigating racism in Australia called UNHEARD.
Screen Australia's Head of Content Sally Caplan said, We're very pleased to support these documentaries that will shine a light on issues including mental health and wellbeing, racism and the natural environment, and are sure to spark conversations. We're excited to back the first ever Israeli documentary co-production with compelling feature Prisoner X, from a strong creative team who are well placed to maximise opportunities in financing and pathways to audience across both countries.
Lune Media have a strong track record of delivering topical information in an accessible way and I look forward to seeing them explore the nuance around financial disadvantage in upcoming SBS series Could You Survive on the Breadline?
The Commissioned projects are:
Could You Survive on the Breadline?: A three-part documentary series for SBS from Lune Media following three Australians as they experience what it's like to live with financial disadvantage. This series is executive produced by David Galloway and Leonie Lowe whose credits include Fight For Planet A and War on Waste. It is financed with support from SBS and developed and financed with support from Screen NSW.
Every Family Has A Secret series 3: A four-part third season of SBS's popular documentary series hosted by Noni Hazlehurst. This season will follow more everyday Australians as they seek out hidden secrets in their families, helping them form a new sense of identity. Returning for the new season are writer/director Steve Peddie, producer Claire Forster and executive producer Celia Tait. This project is financed with support from SBS, Screenwest and Lotterywest.
The Producer Program projects are:
How To Thrive: A one-hour documentary following Positive Psychology coach Marie McLeod, who will take on 10 volunteers with a range of psychological issues to help them learn how to thrive through hardship. This project is written, directed and produced by Duy Huynh (Sexy Herpes), produced by Andrew Kelly (Sexy Herpes) and executive produced by Mitzi Goldman (Backtrack Boys) and Michael Collins (Give Up Tomorrow). How To Thrive is financed with support from the Ryan Cooper Foundation, the Maitri Foundation, Paradice Foundation, and philanthropy via Documentary Australia Foundation.
Kutcha's Carpool Koorioke Season 2: A 10-part second series for online and television from Tamarind Tree Productions and Brown Cabs, featuring acclaimed Mutti Mutti songman Kutcha Edwards and his carpool passengers as they go on a musical journey through Wurundjeri country - the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. The new season will feature icon Uncle Jack Charles and a host of Indigenous performers young and old. The series is written, directed and produced by John Harvey (Spear) and produced by Anna Grieve (Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky). This project is financed with support from NITV, Telematics Trust and the City of Yarra.
Sharko: A feature documentary from writer, director and producer Luke Graham (Broke) who seeks to learn about his enigmatic rugby league star father, Mark Sharko' Graham and uncover the cost of greatness. Sharko is also produced by Kylie Pascoe (The Art of Incarceration) and Jonathan Page (Buoyancy) and executive produced by Jonathan Shteinman (Brabham). This project is developed with support from Screen Queensland.
Prisoner X: A feature documentary about an unnamed Australian man, known only as prisoner X , who was arrested and died in an Israeli prison. The film explores the emotional, personal and political fallout of his story. The creative team features co-directors Hilla Medalia (Dancing in Jaffa) and Tony Krawitz (The Tall Man), producers Medalia, Gal Greenspan (Scaffolding), and co-producers Tom Lee Zigelman (The Other Story) and Katy Roberts (The Front). The film is an Israeli-Australian co-production between Medalia Productions and Sweetshop & Green.
STANDING ON THE SOiLUTION (Working Title): A feature documentary from Wildbear Entertainment in association with New Town Films featuring acclaimed actor and director Rachel Ward (Beautiful Kate). Besieged by drought, bushfires and ecological despair, Ward finds hope in the soil beneath her feet and embarks on a journey of discovery to regenerate the land on her farm, and herself. The creative team features writer/producers Bettina Dalton (Playing with Sharks) and Rachel Ward, and co-director Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe (Around The Campfire). The executive producers are Alan Erson (Playing with Sharks) and, for Regen Studios, Damon Gameau (2040) and Anna Kaplan (2040). This project has been developed with the assistance of Screen NSW.
The Secret World of Fungi: A 45-minute documentary for IMAX that unravels the great mysteries of some of the strangest organisms on the planet - fungi. Acclaimed British biologist, Dr Merlin Sheldrake looks at how these incredible lifeforms may hold the key to solving some of humanity's most urgent problems. This project is written by Catherine Marciniak (Who Do You Think You Are?), Joseph Nizeti (River) and Paul Phelan (Turtle Odyssey 3D) and directed by Gisela Kaufmann (Shark Girl) and Phelan. It is produced by Jo-anne McGowan (Mountain), Jennifer Peedom (Mountain) and David Gross (Turtle Odyssey 3D).
UNHEARD: A six-part investigative documentary series from LADbible Australia Orig
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
11/09/2025
SBS shares Australian National Anthem in over 60 languages to foster belonging a...
05/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 , premium dram...
05/09/2025
Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The Pe...
04/09/2025
SBS kicks off a confident slate with the 2026 FIFA World Cup2026 , premium drama...
04/09/2025
Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS...
03/09/2025
World-first opt-out function to become full feature on SBS On Demand
3 September, 2025
Media releases
National broadcaster SBS will elevate the world-class...
03/09/2025
SBS On Demand to take consumer experience to next level with introduction of res...
03/09/2025
SBS highlights effectiveness of advertising in uncluttered environments
3 September, 2025
Media releases
New market-first research, done in conjunction wit...
03/09/2025
SBS extends exclusive Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift free-to-air broadcast dea...
03/09/2025
Record number of brands driving investment in NITV and First Nations media
3 September, 2025
Media releases
Beyond 3% continues to support the growth of Na...
03/09/2025
SBS declares FIFA World Cup 2026 Will be biggest TV audience event of 2026'
3 September, 2025
FIFA World Cup
SBS names Hyundai, Macca's, Rexona, ...
03/09/2025
SBS continues to lead Australian media in sustainability with launch of SBS Brie...
03/09/2025
SBS unifies data offering with launch of SBS Data Lab
3 September, 2025
Media releases
SBS brings together multiple audience initiatives together in one un...
03/09/2025
Turbulence, Heart and Humanity: SBS Unveils High-Flying New Airport Drama The Ch...
29/08/2025
Australian Red Cross and SBS launch training to help workplaces in the fight aga...
27/08/2025
27 08 2025 - Media release ABC, Screen Australia and ACTF unveil two new original children's series
Happy House.
The ABC, Screen Australia and the Austra...
25/08/2025
Watch SBS as 49 World Champions are crowned in nine days at the World Athletics ...
25/08/2025
Got a podcast idea? SBS Audio opens annual pitch season
25 August, 2025
Media releases
Three-time Australian Podcast Publisher of the Year, SBS, invites th...
21/08/2025
Statement on Acting Managing Director arrangements at SBS
21 August, 2025
Insights & articles
The SBS Board of Directors has today confirmed it will appoin...
20/08/2025
SBS unleashes landmark docu-drama The People vs Robodebt
20 August, 2025
Media releases
Our Government. Half a Million Victims [1]. Zero Accountability Un...
20/08/2025
Dan Bourchier appointed General Manager of NITV
20 August, 2025
Media releases
The respected journalist, presenter and accomplished leader will join Nation...
14/08/2025
Statement on the passing of David Stratton
14 August, 2025
Insights & articles
Statement by SBS Managing Director, James Taylor
SBS is deeply saddened by...
12/08/2025
SBS Managing Director James Taylor steps down
12 August, 2025
Media releases
SBS Managing Director will depart the organisation later this year
SBS Managi...
12/08/2025
Millions join SBS for a month of Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes action
12 August, 2025
Media releases
Total TV Reach of 5.57 million, including 1...
11/08/2025
11 08 2025 - Media release Screen Australia celebrates emerging creatives and cu...
07/08/2025
A bold new sporting documentary series celebrating First Nations athletes, cultu...
06/08/2025
SBS heralds sweeping historical drama King & Conqueror coming soon
5 August, 2025
Media releases
James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau star as the rivals ...
31/07/2025
31 07 2025 - Media release The Creators 2025 Participants Announced
Top (L-R): Tamara Asmar, Anna Barnes and Sarah Bassiuoni.
Bottom (L-R): Glen Dolman, Mich...
24/07/2025
NITV and SBS to celebrate the significance and spectacle of the 25th Garma Festi...
24/07/2025
Pure Drama continues with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift hot on the wheels...
23/07/2025
SBS shortlists proponents to proceed to next stage for Western Sydney production...
21/07/2025
SBS reveals expert commentary team for the World Athletics Championships in Toky...
21/07/2025
21 07 2025 - Media release Australian gamemakers level-up with major funding from Screen Australia
Retopia
New games capture distinctive stories, landscapes ...
09/07/2025
Explore Love Without Limits in a bold, funny and unapologetic SBS Audio podcast ...
08/07/2025
SBS strengthens commitment to inclusion with new commissioning guidelines
8 July, 2025
Media releases
SBS has launched new Commissioning Inclusion Guidelin...
08/07/2025
Secrets, Spies and Sabotage: 40 years on, SBS podcast investigates historic bomb...
07/07/2025
SBS Farewells Chair George Savvides AM
7 July, 2025
Media releases
Born of Greek Cypriot parents, Mr Savvides joined the SBS Board as Deputy Chair in Febru...
30/06/2025
SBS On Demand boosts global news offering with launch of France 24 FAST Channel
30 June, 2025
Media releases
SBS is expanding its international news offeri...
27/06/2025
27 06 2025 - Media release Game, set, action! Screen Australia and ABC announce new mini-series Goolagong
Marton Csokas and Lila McGuire of Goolagong. Image c...
26/06/2025
Buckle up for Great Australian Road Trips launching 31 July on SBS and SBS On De...
20/06/2025
Hit, run, oh sh#t: NITV and SBS get RECKLESS with filming underway in Western Au...
13/06/2025
Pure Drama and Fierce Rivalries set to dominate the world's most iconic spor...
12/06/2025
50 Years Strong: SBS and NITV Supercharge NAIDOC Week 2025 in a joint 50th celeb...
06/06/2025
06 06 2025 - Media release Award-Winning TV Creators Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwri...
03/06/2025
Stories of love, loyalty and self-discovery among six shortlisted Digital Origin...
28/05/2025
SBS celebrates 50 years of reflecting a diverse and contemporary Australia
28 May, 2025
Media releases
Marking 50 years of broadcasting on 9 June 2025, SBS...
28/05/2025
ABS and Verticloud announce a Strategic Partnership to accelerate Digital Transf...
22/05/2025
SBS and Screen Australia showcase the next wave of Australian storytellers with ...
22/05/2025
Rune Pedersen unpacks How Humans Talk in new SBS Audio podcast
22 May, 2025
Media releases
Ever caught yourself using baby talk with your pet and wondered ...
17 03 2021 - Media release Screen Australia announces production funding for 10 documentaries 
