Premium Content:

Screen Australia funds new Israel Folau documentary

Screen Australia has announced it’s backing a whole bunch of new documentary projects investing 3.7 million into new Australian works, among the chosen projects is a documentary on Israel Folau and his controversial social media posts.

- Advertisement -

The project does not yet have an official title but is described as “a feature documentary about Australia’s most gifted and controversial athlete, and how a social media post landed him at the heart of culture wars, derailing campaigns and careers in the process.

“A homophobic bigot to some, a persecuted freedom warrior to others, this will be the first time Israel Folau’s story is examined in all its multilayered complexity.” amedia release claimed.

The creative team features director Nel Minchin, associate director Vanilla Tupu, and producer Ivan O’Mahoney of In Films. This project is developed with additional support from Screen NSW. Minchin and O’Mahoney previously made the acclaimed documentary Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra.

The funding from Screen Australia comes via their Producer Program.

In 2019 Folau was sacked by his employer Rugby Australia after he made a social media post suggesting that declared that a range of Australians, including homosexuals, would be going to hell unless they embraced Christianity. The post came after the player had previously been warned that his social media posts were deemed inappropriate by the football code.

After a protracted legal battle Rugby Australia and Folau came to an settlement for an undisclosed amount. HIs case is often used as an example of why Australia needs new religious freedom legislation and tougher anti-discrimination laws to protect people’s religious beliefs.

OIP Staff


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

 

Latest

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

British comedian Jimmy Carr to play RAC Arena

The British comedian is playing stacks of shows across Australia.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.