Full Breakdown
Screen Australia Allocates $12.8 Million to 46 Narrative Projects
9/22/2025, 7:56:51 AM
Overview of Funding Announcement
Screen Australia has announced a funding round of AUD $12.8 million (approximately USD $7.9 million) to support 46 narrative projects, showcasing a diverse array of Australian stories with both local and international appeal. This funding initiative aims to highlight unique perspectives and underrepresented communities within the Australian creative landscape.
Highlighted Projects
Among the notable projects receiving funding is Shiver, directed by Robert Connolly, which marks the first Australian narrative feature film to be shot in Antarctica. Adapted from Nikki Gemmell’s acclaimed novel, the film follows a young journalist's transformative journey through the fragile wilderness of Antarctica. Connolly expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Shiver will take audiences on an epic journey into a world I fell in love with as a child.”
Other funded projects include Bad Company, a six-part comedy for ABC starring Anne Edmonds and Kitty Flannagan, set within a struggling theatre company. The series is directed by Tom Peterson and produced by Andrew Walker, with executive producers including Edmonds and Kevin Whyte. Additionally, Written in the Stars, a romantic comedy celebrating the Sri Lankan community in Melbourne, features an all-South Asian cast led by Fawzia Mirza and is produced by Leanne Tonkes and Andria Wilson Mirza.
Screen Australia also supports The Killings: Parrish Station, a crime mystery series for Stan, which intertwines horror with a decades-long investigation following a massacre at a remote research station. The series is created by Ben Jenkins, Tim Pye, Yolanda Ramke, and Catherine Smyth-McMullen.
Broader Implications
Louise Gough, Director of Narrative Content at Screen Australia, emphasized the importance of local stories, stating, “Local stories are resonant because they are beautifully particular yet underpinned by universal themes that all viewers can relate to.” This funding round reflects a strategic shift towards narratives that resonate on both local and global scales, aiming to connect Australian stories with wider audiences.
Criticism & Opposition
While the funding announcement has been largely well-received, some critics argue that more emphasis should be placed on supporting emerging creators rather than established names. The balance between nurturing new talent and funding recognized figures remains a point of discussion within the industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Watch on Deadline “Shiver will take audiences on an epic journey into a world I fell in love with as a child, rich with the mythic stories of the great explorers and the majestic power of this remote wilderness.” — Robert Connolly, Director of *Shiver*
- “Local stories are resonant because they are beautifully particular yet underpinned by universal themes that all viewers can relate to,” — Louise Gough, Director of Narrative Content at Screen Australia
Conclusion
The recent funding announcement by Screen Australia not only highlights a commitment to diverse storytelling but also aims to foster a collaborative spirit within the Australian creative sector. With projects like *Shiver* and *Bad Company*, the initiative seeks to elevate local narratives while appealing to global audiences, marking a significant step in the evolution of Australian cinema and television.
