New Indigenous Australian Commissioned Drama
Grace Beside Me
Source: Grace Beside Me / NITV
Fuzzy Mac’s life is turned upside down on her 13th birthday, when she discovers she can communicate with spirits! It’s hard enough navigating the highs and lows of becoming a teenager while living with your eccentric Nan and Pop. Throw in a host of needy spirits, mischievous totems and spooky ancestors, and you have a recipe for a whole bunch of trouble. Combining whimsy, adventure, comedy and drama, the series takes audiences on an emotional roller coaster ride, following Fuzzy, as she learns to accept her gift and understand the meaning of ‘grace’.
New Indigenous Australian Commissioned Documentaries
Wik vs Queensland
Source: Newspix
On December 23, 1996, the High Court of Australia granted native title to the Wik People in the landmark case Wik Peoples vs The State of Queensland. The documentary will explore the power plays, racism and fear mongering in the lead up to the High Court’s decision and the dramatic political manoeuvring that occurred in the aftermath. This film will celebrate the 21st Anniversary of that fateful day when Wik won the battle but the lost the war.
Black Divaz
Source: Blak Divaz / NITV
Black Divaz goes beyond the make-up, the glue guns and the glamour of drag to reveal the complexities of a world that is often seen as camp entertainment. For many gay, transgender, sistergirls and gender diverse members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the fight for understanding, visibility and equality is sometimes just as difficult within their own communities, as it is in the mainstream Australian community. In 2017, Black Drag Queens from around Australia embarked on a quest to be crowned the Inaugural Miss First Nations Drag Queen. Immersed in the private lives of four fierce, sassy and black
contestants alongside the pageant’s drag hosts, Black Divaz will reveal the people behind the Drag personas. Souls will be bared and connections made as one Black Queen makes history in being crowned the first Miss First Nation.
The Song Keepers
Source: The Song Keepers / NITV
The Song Keepers tells the story of the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir as they preserve ancient Aboriginal language, sacred poetry and baroque music. With the help of their charismatic conductor, the choir embarks on a historic journey taking the hymns that were given to their great grandparents by German missionaries, now sung in their own Aboriginal languages, back to Germany. Together they share their music and stories of cultural survival, identity and cross-cultural collaboration.
Westwind: Djalu's Legacy
Westwind: Djalu's Legacy Source: Madman Films
Djalu’s Legacy tells the story of Djalu Gurruwiwi, an aging elder who is running out of time to pass on the Yidaki Songlines entrusted to him for the future of his people. He fears that his sons and community, struggling to come to terms with the consequences of colonisation, are lost. When Djalu breaks with his 60,000 year long tradition to try and save it, world famous musician Gotye becomes an unexpected assistant, helping to heal Djalu’s sons and amplify his songs to the world. Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy was developed and produced by Johnny & Kate Films and Madman Production Company, with development assistance from Film Victoria. Production was supported by Screen Australia, Melbourne International Film Festival Premier Fund, Screen Territory, NITV and Film Victoria. Production funds were also received through Documentary Australia Foundation as well as by way of additional crowd funding.
Returning to NITV in 2018
Going Places with Ernie Dingo
Source: Going Places With Ernie Dingo / NITV
Ernie is back and he’s at it again! Australia’s loveable rouge Ernie Dingo returns to the small screen in the
second season of Going Places with Ernie Dingo. This time he’s going to even more destinations, meeting more
everyday Aussies doing their thing and sharing their story.
Family Rules
Australia's favourite family, The Rules will be back on screens for a third season Source: Family Rules Season 2 / NITV
In 2018 the Rule family will return to screens, with Family Rules Season 2, focussing on the lives of mother,
Daniella and the younger and middle Rule sisters, Hannah, Jessica, Aleisha, Sharna, Kelly and Kiara, while elder
sister Shenika is the foil to their endless exploits. Family Rules is an up close and personal observational
documentary series giving an exclusive insight into modern Indigenous family life.
Marngrook, Over the Black Dot and The Point
NITV’s biggest audience driver, the is back for its 11th year. Again hosted by Grant Hansen and Gilbert McAdam and presented by Leila Gurruwiwi and Shelley Ware, the program will combine the latest footy news, all-star interviews and in-depth analysis, with a unique spotlight on the Indigenous contribution to AFL. Also in football news, NITV’s NRL football show, , will welcome back hosts George Rose, Owen Craigie and Djuro Sen for a second season with the show focusing on all levels of rugby league, with the core story driver being the national rugby league. Australia’s longest running Indigenous current affairs program, Living Black will return to NITV for its 25th season in 2018 with a six-part series hosted by Karla Grant. Karla will also host NITV’s current affairs program which is back for its third season. Its lineup of presenters will provide a daily wrap up of the stories and issues that matter to First Australians.
