The Dig

THE DIG begins as a procedural true crime story but unfolds into a portrait of a community — and individuals — shaped by the long shadow of child abduction, sexual violence and unresolved trauma. Child abuse is a crime that affects 1 in 4 Australian children – with 11% of women and 3.6% of men reported having experienced abuse.

The Dig will examine how religious and societal intolerance in Adelaide, created a repressive culture of shame, homophobia and pedophilia. Conversations around pedophilia and child sexual violence are frequently avoided because they are deeply confronting, yet this silence can prevent meaningful public awareness and engagement.

By using the familiar structure of a true crime investigation, THE DIG creates an accessible pathway into a much harder conversation. The film aims to examine how these crimes reverberate through communities over generations, and to encourage audiences to acknowledge and discuss an issue that remains too often hidden in plain sight.

Through our partnership with Casefile, the world’s largest true crime podcast, THE DIG will connect with a global community of listeners who are already deeply invested in these infamous cases and search for truth. Casefile’s platform offers a powerful pathway to mobilise audiences toward bespoke theatrical screenings and live discussion events. We will also collaborate with advocacy organisations such as the Leave a Light On Foundation to frame the film within a broader conversation about child safety, historical abuse, and the long-term impacts of unresolved crimes. Alongside impact screenings and discussions, we intend to work with partners to produce online resources and education tools to help guide more in-depth conversations, and work to identify changes to specific policies and laws that may be able to make a difference in this space. These partnerships will allow screenings to become more than viewing events — creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and awareness.

We hope to contribute to a wider conversation about the cultural legacy of unresolved crimes – and how communities carry trauma across generations. The film aims to foster deeper understanding of the social dynamics surrounding child exploitation, institutional failures and the fight for justice. Although often considered taboo, it is essential that we facilitate meaningful dialogues in social, political and educational spaces in order to create change.

The team will consult and partner with various child protection organisations so our impact initiatives complement their existing, deep knowledge. This may involve co-developing educational materials, designing awareness campaigns that amplify their existing messaging, or creating community engagement programs that align with their policies. Our goal is that THE DIG serves as a practical tool for advocacy, prevention, and public understanding, while respecting and reinforcing the work these organisations are already doing.

As we continue to make this film we are broadening our relationships with many of these groups. We have excellent access into the world of these ‘private investigators’ and their online audiences, but also with advocacy groups like Leave a Light On Foundation – which is run by the sister of one of the missing children at the centre of these crimes. The fact we are at the coal face of the reopening of Australia’s most famous missing person case (the Beaumont children) means we have the ears of many in the community affected by these types of crimes – and a unique ‘hook’ onto which to hang the important discussions to do with child protection, which lie at the heart of these crimes.

THE DIG aims to transform audience engagement with true crime into deeper awareness and dialogue about the long-term impact of unresolved crimes and child exploitation. Through partnerships with platforms such as Casefile and advocacy groups including the Leave a Light On Foundation, we plan to host bespoke screenings and moderated discussions that bring communities together to reflect on the social consequences of these cases.

A central call to action is recognising that child sexual abuse remains a widespread and deeply damaging problem in our society. These crimes leave lifelong trauma and profound mental health impacts, yet they are often difficult to confront openly. THE DIG encourages audiences to engage with this reality more honestly and empathetically.

The specific calls to action will continue to evolve through close collaboration with our impact partners, ensuring they are responsible, informed and meaningful.