Documentary Australia 2024 Wrapped

A message from our CEO Dr Mitzi Goldman

In many ways, 2024 has been a tragic year for people around the globe. Just when we think it can’t get much worse, we hear more news of devastation. It is impossible not to be affected by what is playing out on the world stage and, as we have seen, there have also been divisions and a loss of dialogue, friendship and understanding here in Australia.

However, we have also seen outstanding displays of solidarity in communities and individuals reaching across the aisle to embrace many who are hurting. Where there is pain, there is often profound leadership and that is rarely reported in mainstream media. We see so many examples of inspiration in the work we do. Documentaries bring us stories of resilience, heroic acts, and the transcendental beauty of the natural world.

I am humbled to work amongst these storytellers who dedicate their time and talent to bringing us stories of unity and the best of human nature.

In a year like no other, the community around Documentary Australia has been hungry to engage in meaningful dialogue and to stand with us in loyalty and generosity. Thank you.

Have a healthy and happy holiday season.

With love from Mitzi

Impact Producer Program

The second year of the Impact Producer Program has now concluded. This year, the program continued to train the next generation of Impact Producers, empowering them on the path to creating lasting change through documentary. Here are some reflections on eight months of learning and professional development with our newest Impact Producer Program alumni Aprille and AJ.

Environmental Accelerator

The second year of the Environmental Accelerator has also now concluded, sharing and supporting crucial stories to inspire climate action. As you may have seen, we recently did a call out to add new films to the Accelerator. Make sure to watch this space for the announcement and keep an eye out for many exciting Environmental Accelerator events in 2025.

SheDoc

In 2024, Documentary Australia relaunched SheDoc to elevate the careers of six Queensland-based female-identifying filmmakers in a range of key creative roles by providing access to funding for professional development.

Festivals and DA-supported films

Congratulations to all the Documentary Australia-supported films that performed fantastically well on the festival circuit and in cinemas this year, including Welcome to Babel which won the Documentary Australia Award at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival.

So, as we approach the end of another remarkable year, we express our gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to the art of documentary filmmaking.

We’re incredibly thankful for the community we’ve built together – a community that believes in the transformative power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding in our society.

As the holiday season unfolds, we hope you’ll find moments of joy, reflection and connection with loved ones. May this time bring you peace and rejuvenation for the year ahead.

We’re excited about the upcoming projects that will continue to shed light on important issues and spark meaningful conversations, as well as being proud of all that we have achieved in 2024.

Thank you for a wonderful 2024, and see you in 2025!

From the Documentary Australia team.