Documentary Australia

Issue area

Human Rights & Social Justice

Human Rights and Social Justice address the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and the promotion of fairness and equality in society. Over time, the focus has expanded to include civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It is crucial to recognise that human rights violations can occur on both the individual and systemic levels and discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status still exists, with marginalised communities continuing to be disproportionally impacted.

From Women’s Suffrage and the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, to the civil rights movement and the #MeToo movement, people have been fighting for their rights and demanding justice for years. Social justice is essential to ensure equal access and rights to resources and opportunities such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment. With the help of documentary films, these issues have been brought to light and are gaining more attention than ever before.

By showcasing real-life stories, documentary filmmakers can bring attention to human rights violations, stimulate dialogue, foster empathy, and inspire action. Documentaries can capture the lived experiences of individuals affected by social injustices, amplifying the voice to those who have been silenced or unseen. Documentaries also serve as historical records, documenting past struggles for human rights and providing valuable insights into the progress made or areas that still require attention. By showcasing the experiences of marginalised communities and successful social justice initiatives, documentary films can raise awareness and promote a more just and equitable world.

Completed Documentary Australia-supported Human Rights & Social Justice projects:

Incarceration Nation Brazen Hussies Under Cover
Where to watch: SBS Where to watch: Apple TV, Google Play, DocPlay Host a community screening
Undermined – Tales from the Kimberley Constance on the Edge Gayby Bayby
Where to watch:  Apple TV, Google Play, DocPlay Where to watch: DocPlay, Vimeo Where to watch: DocPlay, Fetch TV, Madman TV

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THE BLIND SEA

Completed film

Daniel Fenech

Blind surfer Matt Formston’s mettle is pushed to the limits as he attempts the gigantic waves of Nazaré.

Caleb Graham

Joel Taylor was a promising young bodyboarder until a rogue wave left him paraplegic. Now he's back, as a World Champ.

Michelle Stone

A revolution in youth mental health to save the lives of young people and the future economies depending on them.

Janet Shay

In Nazi-occupied Holland, a Jewish family defies discrimination and deportation, surviving through acts of kindness.

No Name

She Shines navigates the critical moments in a woman's life where her sense of self-worth is tested.

Kate Blackmore

Tuvalu is racing to create the first digital nation before their home disappears, but what’s a country without land?

Jasmin Tarasin

When non -binary artist, Kaz Therese, uncovers the mystery of their lost, Hungarian grandmother an investigation begins.

Trevor Graham & Digby Webster

Can love and creativity conquer all when you are living with an intellectual disability?