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

Films that need your support

No More Guilt

Alfie Faber

$0.00

FUNDS RAISED

$54,673.00

FUNDS RAISED

THE WATCH OR THE TIME

Travis Beard

$2,960.00

FUNDS RAISED

Other documentary projects in this issue area

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Alfie Faber

The story of one of Australia's most bizarre and iconic gay liberation groups - the Order of Perpetual Indulgence.

Cath Murphy

Six short animated documentarie about socially sanctioned abuse by those who were supposed to be protecting them.

Travis Beard

How the West failed Afghanistan through the eyes of those who lived it.

The Final Quarter

Completed film

Ian Darling

This is what was said. This is what was heard.

Jemma Potgieter

Young Brisbane locals and a Somali family set alight a turbulent campaign to free refugees indefinitely detained.

Margee Brown

We won best documentary at the LGBTQI Toronto Film festival. Now we're developing the short into a 90 minute feature.

FREEDOM IS BEAUTIFUL

Completed film

angus mcdonald

The most powerful act of resistance is love

Danny Ben-Moshe

An immersive journey into the unprecedented protest movement in Israel, as civil society fights to save democracy.